Product review: UberKinky Kink Industries Intense Impact Cane

The first item of the year sent to me by Uberkinky for a blog review ended up being a Kink Industries Intense Impact Cane.

To date, I have only ever needed one cane due to the fact that “Sasha” is incredibly awesome. However, I thought that the Kink Industries Intense Impact Cane appeared marginally different to the canes I have been accustomed to and decided to see just how different the styles can be in comparison.

The first thing I noticed when unwrapping it from its packaging was the size and weight. This cane was incredibly lighter than what I would normally use and just over half the length of Sasha. It is also made from synthetic materials which, while being light and durable, gives a very unique and smooth sensation. Immediately I could see huge differences in its style.

I decided to go for the all black option. Naturally. However, there are other colour options available.

The shorter length and lighter weight makes it perfect for bedroom BDSM where the room to swing such an implement is limited. The sound it makes as it cuts through the air is very light and I can see this toy causing a considerable sting when used correctly. Additionally, bending this cane back to cause a stinging and pinpoint accurate flick poses less problems than attempts to do so with a smoked dragon cane would (you can damage a smoked dragon cane by doing this kind of thing, but being as this cane is made from synthetics, it poses significantly less problems). Personally, I think one of the best things about this cane is the handle; a leather wrist loop, indentations for your fingers along with a matt finish rubber coating guarantee a very comfortable and brilliantly steadfast grip.

I have had a lot of experience with canes and their use. In my opinion, The Kink Industries Intense Impact Cane is a perfect starter cane for people new to BDSM and wanting to experiment with something that is easy to handle, difficult to cause long-term damage with, hard to break through proper use and not overly intimidating.

Music review: Victor Sierra

I love nearly all forms of music, from classical to heavy punk rock, from new age to apocalyptic industrial; for me, it is usually a case of having a simple preference over their content and overall atmosphere.

In my opinion, music should play a large part of decent BDSM play. It is by no means mandatory, but it can spark emotion, mood and can heavily effect the direction of a scenario or of play as a whole.

My first of what will hopefully be many music reviews pertains to a Steampunk band hailing from Paris, France.

Victor Sierra:

It was late one evening when my partner handed to me a copy of Victor Sierra‘s album ‘Yesterday’s Tomorrow‘ and said “This would be good to flog to. You should write a review on them.”

She was right. A pleasant mix of Steampunk and Dieselpunk with a bass that will keep your strikes going at length; Victor Sierra has quickly become one of my current favourites for multiple forms of BDSM play; primarily flogging.

While the music is multilingual, including English, French, Spanish and even Yiddish, the style and aesthetics of each musical masterpiece is more than enough to keep you listening and moving to the beat regardless of understanding the lyrics.

Of course, it goes without saying that, for me, the fact that they are a distinctly Steampunk/Dieselpunk style band is an excellent added bonus. They have delicious ‘WWII era’ undertones and atmosphere.

There is one song which I particularly enjoy: ‘Imbéciles’ (Track number 9). However it is vocalised in french, so here are the original lyrics along with a rough translation into English (because I am helpful like that).

It does lose a few details in the translation, however I am going to attempt to do it anyway:

Original Lyrics:

IMBECILES

Le sourire géné de l’indésirable
se crispe et se fige en équilibre instable
Venus des palais et des caniveaux
les hyenes se déchainent et se font écho.

Aux premieres loges, observant la détresse,
le lampiste en blouse temporise et paresse.

Les meneurs menent et font hurler la foule
Alors que les coups pleuvent et que le sang coule
se forme le cercle des eternels cretins
aux carrieres naissantes, au potentiel certain.

Imbéciles… Un jour
Imbéciles… Le sont ils pour toujours?

L’indésirable au sourire effacé
se releve et rassemble son univers brisé
se débat seul contre l’effet de masse
sous les quolibets recherchant sa place

Avec le temps les carrieres s’épanouissent
se cultivent se transmettent de peres en fils

Translation into English:

IMBECILES

The uneasy smile of the undesirable
becomes nervous and fixes into a fragile balance
Hailing from palaces and slums alike
The hyenas rage, their howls echoing each other

on the front seat, observing the distress
the blouse wearing lampist plays for time and lazes around

the leaders lead and make the crowd roar
while blows rain down and blood is shed
the circle of the eternal idiots closes
with new born careers and certain futures

imbeciles… one day
imbeciles…are they like this forever?

the undesirable with a faded smile
gets up and gathers his broken universe
fighting alone under the influence of the masses
under the mockeries, seeking his place

with time, careers blossom
cultivated and transmitted from fathers to sons

To be honest I think my translation lacks a certain ‘cachet’ when compared to the French original.

Their latest album is available for purchase at http://victorsierra.bandcamp.com/ and you can check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Victor.Sierra.band

This is a great band to listen to and one that I highly recommend as an accompaniment to your BDSM activities; especially any impact play.

All media posted with permission of Victor Sierra.
All media Copyright © 2013 VictorSierra. All Rights Reserved.

Flogging workshop and first-time Kabunza trade stand at the BBB

Whenever I am asked to host a workshop, give tuition or give a demonstration, I always leap at the chance. It is incredibly rewarding and I truly believe that one of the best things anyone with a well practiced skill can do for the BDSM community is to pass on their knowledge to willing students safely. There are a lot of people out there who are reckless (even dangerous) but teach their activities anyway, (often simply to stroke their own egos) despite how unsafe it may be. It can sometimes be very confusing or even scary enough to put people off trying or learning new things. My recommendation to anyone taking advice from anyone on any BDSM activity is to do a little research into the competence of the person(s) giving out their information and also briefly on the subject matter in question (be it flogging, whips, shibari or any BDSM skill) using that magical tool: The internet. Trust me, for the safety of both yourself and those you play with, it never hurts to do a little research and anyone with real knowledge or skill will be apparent from the tat.

I tend to be very hands-on and interactive in my workshops; I like people to ask questions, I like people to talk to me about their own experiences so that I can explain or perhaps even learn something new myself (nobody ever stops learning) and I always try to get people out of their seats to physically practice anything I am trying to teach. Actual practice of any skill makes perfect and I think being able to actively talk people through and demonstrate safely as they are attempting new skills tends to alleviate a very large portion of simple first-time learning hiccups.

Having said that; I am happy to say that the flogging workshop at the Birmingham Bizarre Bazaar received some wonderful feedback and comments. It seemed as though everyone had a wonderful time and I cannot express how rewarding it is to watch people putting their new-found teachings into practice over the course of an event (having a room full of flying florantining floggers can be an incredibly fun thing to watch).

Even the lovely Mistress Victoria from Uberkinky (who was a pleasure to finally meet face to face) wrote a sparkling review of the experience, which you can read on her website blog: Here.

In response to the many people who have asked me to do some Youtube videos and tutorials: I do hope to get some made eventually, but it is finding someone who would be willing to film me and has decent enough equipment and software to do so. It will be done, it is just a question of time and expense (anyone wishing to participate in this kind of project, please feel free to contact me).

And to answer the question that so many people directed at me about my collection of floggers at the workshop: The straight handled floggers were from Jack’s Floggers, The ball handled floggers were from Jack’s floggers and Edgeplay and the majority of the floggers that you saw that evening (the poi floggers) were from our very own Kabunza Craftwerks (we do accept custom orders if you would like a personalised set made).

As well as the workshop, it was also Kabunza‘s first ever trade stand at the BBB. We received some wonderful feedback on our products and many people walked home with shiny new Kabunza collars, jewellery and floggers. We are gleefully looking forward to any possibilities of trading there again. The atmosphere and people at this event are simply awesome.

To sum up this post, I would just like to send out a few thankyou’s :

• To the BBB market and after party organizers for offering us the opportunity to have our Kabunza trade stand represented at their event, for the ample support they gave us, for allowing me the honour of hosting a workshop for them and for their very encouraging and complimentary words throughout.
• To everyone who made a purchase at the Kabunza trade stand. We know from all your lovely comments and appreciation photos that our hard work is going to good homes. We hope you get as much joy from them through their use and wear as we have had in creating them.
• To everyone who attended the workshop. I hope everyone had fun (I know many did from the comments that I have received on Facebook and Fetlife but I never tire from hearing your thoughts and I am sure the readers of my blog would love to hear your comments if anyone would like to post any below).
• To my ever diligent partner for pouring her blood, sweat and tears (three of my favourite things to squeeze out of her) into customising and altering almost every purchased Kabunza item at the event. She really worked hard.
• To my Benjamin. Who, without him, none of the above would of happened and who embraced everything that I inflicted upon him at the workshop (and afterwards) with a delicious smile. As I have always said; “It takes two to play”, and in that respect I am always greatly appreciative of him and feel incredibly lucky to have him as my own.

Event review: BOUND Rope jam

Many of the events that Benjamin and I go to are organised by friends of ours and many people have been asking as of late what these events are like and if they are fun to attend.

I try my hardest to avoid events which I think I may dislike or which I have attended in the past and found wanting, and many of the events we do go to are usually because we have been invited or because we have a Kabunza trade stand. But to make things easier and to help those who wish to know, I have decided to write up a few reviews of some of the events which we tend to frequent regularly simply because it is a damn good night out.

I am going to start with Benjamin’s favorite: BOUND Rope jam at The Flying Dutchman in London.

This is a fantastic night out created by Esinem, Nina Russ & Gorgone in collaboration with The Flying Dutchman in Camberwell, London.

A heady mix of Shibari demonstrations, tutorials, shows and socializing. If you enjoy rope bondage then it is simply a must to see.

Set in a small venue of a local historic London pub, whose mission is to promote difference, diversity, and the arts. Not only will you see live stage performances of full suspension rope bondage by some of the most world-wide recognized rope artists and models, but there is also ample space for those who attend to have a little bit of rope time themselves.

From the minute you walk through the door, you are surrounded by people who know what they are doing when it comes to rope bondage; from the traditional Japanese styles to our own western adapted forms.

Even if you are simply curious about rope bondage or attempting to learn yourself, it is a great place for inspiration and the people who attend are open and friendly.

The stage performances are of such a high caliber that I believe it is highly unlikely that you would get to see live rope art like this on a monthly basis anywhere else in the UK.

The event is held on the last Friday of every month, the night starts at 7pm and performances go on throughout the evening until 1am. Ticket prices range from: Early bird tickets: £5 (limited availability), Advance tickets: £15, On the door entrance: £20.

Some of the performers travel from as far as Tokyo to perform their talents, so as night-out’s go, BOUND is exceptional value for money.

This is not a large profit event and is run by local rope enthusiasts who put a lot of hard work and heart into making an evening which is entertaining and can be enjoyed by anyone of a like-minded interest, which is just one more thing that makes this event special.

Benjamin and I would highly recommend attending to anyone who has the inclination. It is simply a marvelous night out.

Photography used with the permission of http://bounduk.net/

Product review: Uberkinky Fetish Fantasy Designer Paddle

If it has not been apparent from my gallery or previous blog posts; One of my favorite BDSM activities is impact play. Particularly floggers.

However, impact play can take many forms; Whips, floggers, canes and paddles to name the most common.

Fetish Fantasy Designer Paddle:

This month, the wonderful people at Uberkinky have sent me one of their Fetish Fantasy Designer Paddles to test run and review.

Personally, I tend to use paddles as warm-up tools before moving on to heavier impact play like whips or canes, or I will use them as an accent to a session of spanking to save my hand (and claws) from prolonged impact play. I consider the humble paddle to be a very handy addition and ‘must-have’ to any arsenal of BDSM toys.

The Uberkinky Fetish Fantasy Designer Paddle is probably one of the lightest paddles I have ever used. They have opted for a handle which has been created completely out of hard leather and has no wooden or metal core; the reason for its lightness and slightly ‘whippy’ effect when using it heavily.

It’s rounded edges are an added bonus for those who prefer to simply heat the center of each rear-end cheek and while it sometimes feels a little flimsy when in use, it definitely makes an accurate and stingy impact.

The hard leather is of a smooth surface, making it easy to wipe clean and sterilize and a leather cord is supplied for when it is simply needed to hang on a wall or belt for show, as a constant reminder of the last play, or as a visual deterrent for any menials who tend to be a little bratty.

But there is one thing I rate incredibly highly on this item, more than anything else, and that is the sound: this paddle made a wonderful slap which echoed throughout my dungeon.

I have a feeling that I will be using this little toy quite often.

Product review: Uberkinky Fetish Fantasy Shock Therapy Kit

Recently, I have been contacted by a company known as Uberkinky and requested to test and review some of their kink and fetish related products in my dungeon.

Having experience in most areas of kink and a steady supply of willing menials to inflict the said equipments on due to my professional services, I must have seemed a logical choice as a product tester.

Of the first 6 options for testing, I decided to go with the Uberkinky Fetish Fantasy Shock Therapy Kit. This Item looked similar to a Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit and having had some fun in the past with my dungeons TENS unit, including using it for forced masturbation (long story), I thought it would be good for a starter review.

Seemingly grateful that I had agreed to take on this project for them, they also sent me some MAWA Klamps to have a bit of fun with.

Without further ado:

Uberkinky Fetish Fantasy Shock Therapy Kit:

My original assumptions were correct, the UFFSTK is basically a low setting TENS unit designed to therapeutically stimulate nerves with electrical currents. In essence, causing sensations similar to vibrating, tickling, pulsing and on the higher settings, pinching and mild pain.

Overall, I could not find any downside to the product save for not being supplied with batteries. The pads are easy to clip on and the unit takes less than a minute to set up and use. The pads have a thick layer of strong yet comfortable adhesive which is wipe clean and easily reusable. The unit itself is pocket size and easily slipped into a stocking top or pocket should you wish your hands free to play with other sensations or tools while the unit is active and the cables are long enough to keep movements unrestricted. All in all, a fun little machine which is suitable for both bedroom and dungeon play.

One thing I must stress though: This toy is nowhere near as powerful as some of the E-stim, iStim or other similar TENS unit type products, However, it is also nowhere near as expensive as those. In my opinion it is the perfect model for beginners, bedroom BDSM or for people who want to experience a few of the electrical nerve stimulation sensations before going out and getting one of the stronger options.

MAWA Klamps:

I was not asked to review these, but I love these things.

Little clamps which can be pinched anywhere on the body. They have little indents which make them easy to open and close, a soft rubber coating over the tips to make them a little easier to handle if on the receiving end as well as creating a non-slip surface to make sure that when applied, they stay put.

Multiple uses, always handy for any BDSM orientated play, very fun.