Paddle Construction

Who_me12 I started the wrapping project and quickly realized there is a reason most such tools are more of a crop with a non tapered shaft. The thought was using something old and "useless" to make something useful. I was not willing to give up on the idea though so I researched something that would not potentially "splinter" like fiberglass eventually would. It was then I thought of an ice rod blank. Now never having actually used such a rod I had no clue they come in solid carbon fiber which should not need to be wrapped. Now I imagine they would leave welts or even break skin if someone were not careful so I backed off the idea but it would be as simple as buying one and making a handle or wrapping and handle to them.

A leather covered wood cutting board invoked a "sweet baby Jesus", by the way.

Kudos and congratulations, RusticMagic. The repurposed materials are a win all day long. The fiberglass fishing rod is ingenious.

Just an update. It seems that I have pretty much stumbled into learning a lot about construction of other things (specifically a flogger) in order to translate what they wanted into proper material (thickness) and construction. Now it took me much longer than it would someone who is a much better leather worker but the end result hit the sub out of the park as it were. I appreciate the info given here and honestly the input found with our new friends who enjoy such things as well as all the resources on the web. I am looking forward to my next request even though I will not be a "participant" it makes me happy to know that I made brings so much pleasure or is it pain likely both. Oh and now if I can just figure out how to properly wet form that hard leather belt pouch I have been working on.........

So I (the male half) have found out a bit more on the subject and have made a second one using the feedback I got from loaning it out. I just could not bring myself to modify the first one I made (putting holes in it) so I made a second one for leaving at the club. Hopefully I will get more feedback and refine the design even further with v3 if that happens. I also have a request to work on learning to make other such toys (floggers and other things) with the understanding it will take time to source materials and work the learning curve. I will be doing more with any "extra" money I can get from other things I/we do including perhaps selling more eggs (chicken and duck not the wife's). Honestly I am having fun and for now if I can make something that brings others pleasure or well pain for pleasure while learning the basics of the new hobby it makes it even better. This has built some confidence in my ability to eventually make something for myself (a bag) I had intended to special order. I honestly did not realize how easy it was to work with leather even if it is unforgiving if you make a mistake.

As a side note. When my original paddle was loaned out the wife and I actually got to sit in for part of the session. We did not stay long just for the build up to the paddle and it being used. It was a real eye opener as we did not have a clue beyond what you read about as far as the relationship between the dom and sub when it comes to this kind of activity. What struck me most is between "tools" that care was taken to comfort the sub and make sure they were ready for the next level. Of course the reaction to the first good strike of the paddle I had made evoked an undescribable reaction in me. No I am not wanting to have anything used on me or well use anything on someone else nor was it a "turn-on". I guess if I tried to put it into words (and I have been for almost 2 weeks) it would be closer to satisfaction of a job well done more than anything else.

Anyway I figured I needed to do a follow up on this. I appreciate the information I got here and thankfully I have found a small group willing to include me as a "maker of things" and not a participant. I'm not sure I could do what they do nor in fact do I want to but I am happy I can help them along while enjoying a relaxing hobby.

lol

I thought you only reverted to prepubescence on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. ;-)

RusticMagic, strangely, a cricket bat is likely to be less intense than a smaller, more rigid wooden paddle. It just looks more impressive, which is why some people like bigger, but less effective tools.

Your current design would probably not work for most people, but there's always someone who wants more.

GGMM I think I/we may be able to find one at the next party we attend. That said I will just offer it as a loaner and let an "expert" use it. The wife did make a suggestion to go by an adult store tonight and look at the commercially available models. I then realized mine was not only about twice as thick but also heavier and most likely overbuilt. Then again at the last party someone was showing off a cricket bat they purchased because they broke the last thing they were using. Like I said I think we are swimming in the deep in with sharks but hey you only live once LOL.

<snicker> Ms Molly said “asses” <snicker>

;-)

Briefly, the handle design and every other consideration lags way behind how well anything works as an impact toy. It's one of the reasons the best toys are designed by those who can assess the quality of the impact. You can test it on your thigh, but have no metric for knowing what is and is not a good sensation, so that information will only be marginally useful.

I suggest you find a test volunteer to give you feedback on your designs.

Okay not knowing a lot about this activity and in reality neither of us having a real desire to participate in it this may seem odd but here goes. I (the male half) have quite a bit of time on my hands and have been looking for another new hobby to pass the time. After a visit to a local club I got inspired to turn an old leather weight belt I had picked up into a leather paddle. I really enjoyed working on the project and learned a lot along the way. In fact if I can find another belt or two (or even purchase leather) I plan to make a better version with what I learned. The thing is since I have never used such a device, even though I now have one still have no desire to do so but I would like to see it used, I have no clue what design features folks would prefer. I'm sure my handle size is more for larger hands like my own (I had no other person to grab it) however the wife says even with her smaller hand size she could use it (no desire to though). I plan to work with the handle design on my next one and make it more "average" . Thing is I have done quite a bit of research and found out I know next to nothing about other features of such a device. I mean they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes some with holes, a doubled over strap, two straps as a striking surface, varied shape of "striking" surface, etc . I have nothing more than a researcher's book knowledge of why this or that. Of course I want to perfect a "basic" design before I move on to more complicated ones however I figured I would ask those that actually use such things what you would like to see in a leather paddle?

Oh and I have also recently toyed with the idea of making a leather wrapped "switch" with a solid fiberglass core (old lightweight fiberglass fishing rod) because I have the rod with broken handle on hand. BTW none of this is for a business venture but rather just to quell a desire to make some things and expand my knowledge base in the how to aspect. I go through this from time to time and when I learn how to do things to my satisfaction I generally get bored and move on to something else. That is not to say I may not sell a few things I make to fund other projects but I'm not trying to make money just pass my time doing something without spending from the budget.