1 . Why are BDSM attributes often so expensive?

There are several reasons why BDSM attributes are expensive. The majority are being sold through the sex-industry where it is normal policy to double or quadruple prices.

The market for BDSM attributes is small and many items are being produced in small quantities and often (largely or partially) handmade.

Raw materials such as leather are quite expensive.

Besides, many BDSM people are not very clever consumers. A lot of attributes, such as riding crops, canes, rope, etcetera, are much cheaper when bought in normal consumer outlets, like riding or boatshops, outdoor shops or garden centers.

Other items – such as floggers, cuffs, collars and leashes – are relatively easy to make yourself. More fun and a lot cheaper.

2.  What is a collar?

To the vast majority of people in the BDSM world a collar is a symbol. The BDSM equivalent of a wedding ring. It is valued highly. It does not have to be an actual collar. Quite often the “collar” in fact is a piece of jewelry.

On the Internet there is much “ado” about collars and there is a lot of misinformation around. “Virtual collars” (the {x} behind a nickname) are not really accepted by the real BDSM world and many consider these to be an insult to the importance of a real collar, especially since virtual collars usually only indicate a “virtual relationship” and people change collars every week.

3. Is “real leather” a good quality symbol?

“Real leather” as far as quality is concerned, is a hollow phrase. It means the item was made from real animal hide. The problem is, you cannot see what animal, unless you are an expert. Leather can be made from virtually every animal skin and most types of leather are not suitable for use in a BDSM attributes context, because the leather may be not strong enough, of poor quality or dries out easily.

As a rule of thumb the following types are leather are suitable for the following items:

Calf leather is good for clothing and soft floggers
Cow hides are excellent for boots, cuffs, most floggers, straps, and anything other, that should be strong
Many single tail experts prefer kangeroo leather for their single tail whips

There are many other types of leather that might be suitable for certain purposes, but you should make sure you get good advice. Sheepskin and pigskin are unsuitable for BDSM attributes, since the leather is weak, dries out and bursts or cracks easily and quickly.

4. Why do people have so many BDSM attributes?

Many BDSM attributes are not just attributes, they are also symbols and often also have a ritual value. This is especially true for whips, which is why people collect them. Besides, most people into BDSM are also fetishists and many attributes can also be a fetish, apart from their practical use.

5. What should I do, when buying BDSM attributes?

There are so many different toys around that it is hard to give any general advice. However, for many things, the following applies, if you want to make sure what you are buying is good quality.

When buying clothes or BDSM attributes that should fit perfectly, make sure they can be fitted. If the outlet does not allow you to fit, go somewhere else. Sizes on packages and labels can hardly ever be trusted, when it comes to BDSM.

You should be allowed to take any item you are buying out of its package (or there should be a sample for you to see, test and feel). If you are not allowed to do this, go somewhere else.

Use other peoples’ experience with shops and ask around, before going anywhere.

Studs and rivets should be steel, not some sort of nickel. If they are not, they are likely to rust quickly, making the item unsafe and causing damage to leather or latex.

D-rings (on cuffs, collars and straps) and chain shackles should be welded for safety reasons.

The shop-assistants should be friendly, helpful and should know their stuff. If they don’t, you are probably in a general sex boutique where the chances are they have no real clue about BDSM attributes.

In most cases buying cheap is synonym for setting yourself up for disaster. This is especially true for metal items. When buying padlocks, order a set with identical keys, so one key will open all locks. This is safer, easier and quicker, especially in case of an emergency.

6. Why does it always have to be black?

Black leather has become a symbol for BDSM. But it does not always have to be. There are BDSM cultures, based on other fabrics, such as the gay bears (who prefer lumbershirts), lace, denim and others. But, black is the color of darkness, evil, the night, vampires, etcetera. That is the main reason why so many people prefer black.

7. Why do people use different floggers?

Flogging is like playing golf. If you want to create more distance, you use a different club. The same is largely true for flogging. Your movement and rhythm (swing) always remain the same and you use the weight of the whip, to create impact. To increase or decrease impact, you change whips during a flogging.

8. How do I keep my leather in good condition?

The best product to keep your leather in shape (regardless what BDSM attribute) is acid-free Vaseline. This will keep the leather in shape and protect it against moist. Rub it in immediately after buying and prior to any use. This is also true for clothing.

Leather clothing can be washed by hand in lukewarm water with a very mild washing detergent. After washing it, hang it out to dry and immediately rub it with Vaseline aftrer drying. Leather clothing can be ironed carefully at very low temperature. Protect the leather by placing paper between the object and the iron.

9. What should I know about latex?

Latex clings to the body, which is where the main attraction is. But it will cause you to sweat heavily. Full body latex dresses, shirts and trousers are infamous for being the cause of fainting. This is the result of an overheated body and excessive sweating. Good quality latex clothing is expensive. Most of what you can buy in sex boutiques does not really fit very well and is often of poor quality.

Latex requires a lot of maintenance. After wearing or using it, it should be washed immediately in luke warm water and dried naturally. After washing and drying, powder the inside of clothing with babypowder to prevent it from sticking and to make your life easier when putting it on the next time. Latex is best stored on hangers. If you plan to wear tightfitting latex on your skin, it is a very good idea to fully shave first and (re)powder the inside of the item and your body first.

10. I see a lot of duct tape in movies. Is that a good idea?

Duct tape is dangerous and next to that, it is nasty. Removing duct tape hurts, especially on the face. Many adhesives will cause allergic reactions or other reactions to the chemicals used. When using duct tape to restrain someone, it is a good idea to wrap the bodypart with saran wrap first.

The above article is a reprint from our information/educational site Kink Culture.
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