Cane
In BDSM, a cane is a longer and narrow cylindrical shaped stick that is meant for caning, a form of impact.
Canes are commonly used by sadists on masochists for play, but the are also used between D-type and s-type people as a discipline method or punishment. Anticipation of a stingy cane can be a powerful thing to play with. Breaking a cane on someone can be seen as a rite of passage for some.
Type of Canes Used in BDSM Play
In BDSM there is a very wide variety of canes available. Weight, length, and thickness are very variable and people have different preferences when playing with canes. In all cases, canes provide a stinging sensation and can leave marks when used. These marks can be deep, and can even leave scars.
Common types of canes seen in BDSM include:
- Rattan canes: Flexible, lightweight canes that deliver a sharp sting when thin and a heavier impact when thick. Rattan is porous and can absorb blood and other fluids, so it's best to use a separate cane for each person.
- Bamboo canes: Lightweight, relatively rigid canes that can produce a sharp, stinging sensation. Bamboo may split or splinter, so regular inspection is important.
- Fiberglass canes: Durable, synthetic canes that are often thin and flexible, producing a sharp, concentrated sting. Their smooth, nonporous surfaces are generally easier to clean.
- Acrylic canes: Rigid, smooth plastic canes that produce a firm, focused impact with relatively little flex. They can crack or break under stress.
- Delrin canes: Made from a dense engineering plastic, these canes are smooth, durable, and relatively rigid, delivering a concentrated impact.
- Wooden canes: Made from woods such as ash or hickory, these are generally stiffer than rattan and deliver a heavier, more solid impact.
- Silicone canes: Flexible, synthetic canes that vary in firmness and can produce either a stinging or heavier sensation depending on their design.
History of Caning
Caning has a long history as a form of corporal punishment, particularly in British schools, where students were struck on the hands or buttocks for misbehaviour. The practice became closely associated with Victorian-era discipline and the expression "six of the best," referring to six strokes of the cane.
Caning and other forms of corporal punishment also appeared in erotic literature as early as the 18th century. By the Victorian era, caning from an authority figure was a common scenario in erotic writing.
Today, consensual caning is practiced in BDSM as a form of impact play. It sometimes incorporates elements of punishment, discipline, and power exchange. Some people also enjoy caning purely for its physical sensations, without any punishment dynamic.
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