Fixtures

[EmpressFi]

I like them, but I'm just as happy just being blindfolded and placed face down on the bed. It's the person striking me that is the turn on.. not the apparatus I'm attached to

 

[subbie_333]

*blink* None of this motivates me.

Yeah, i knew that when i posted.

About the only "cool stuff" I have is my rope, and I'm a little proud of it, but I bought the various types for various reasons, and use it all. It's all go, and no show. The fact that some people might be impressed by certain pieces is nice, but not core to the experience.

LOL Don't get offended that i was in a cynical mood when i wrote that. As much as i would love to have this "adult" community have "adults" that "act like adults", a lot of high school behavior and thinking still exists. i think that people like you are still in the minority (although not a small minority). And, when some people finally acquire that stuff, they realize that it doesn't automatically immediately make them a better PYL or pyl. Same thing with vanilla toys like cars.

I would much rather be part of the "cool people with cool skills" group.

Oh, you would rather have substance *and* style?


Overall i was being cynical about the popularity of fixtures being more about the fantasy of having them and less about the functionality (compared to whatever is at hand). And, many are impressed with skills, but, don't have the understanding or patience of what is involved to acquire the skills. So, for some, acquiring a cool fixture and/or toy is the goal, as opposed to learning what works well and why.

 

[Homburg]

LOL Don't get offended that i was in a cynical mood when i wrote that. As much as i would love to have this "adult" community have "adults" that "act like adults", a lot of high school behavior and thinking still exists. i think that people like you are still in the minority (although not a small minority). And, when some people finally acquire that stuff, they realize that it doesn't automatically immediately make them a better PYL or pyl. Same thing with vanilla toys like cars.

No worries. I'm not that easy to offend.

I find it a bit painful that the ideas you're talking about are in the minority. Sad.

Oh, you would rather have substance *and* style?

*snort*

Overall i was being cynical about the popularity of fixtures being more about the fantasy of having them and less about the functionality (compared to whatever is at hand). And, many are impressed with skills, but, don't have the understanding or patience of what is involved to acquire the skills. So, for some, acquiring a cool fixture and/or toy is the goal, as opposed to learning what works well and why.

I'm with you there. I've got a good friend that is toppy, but lacks the patience to earn the skills. I keep cajoling him into learning, but he won't put the time in. And he wonders why he has trouble finding bottoms. They can smell the lack of experience, and it makes him look like a poseur.

Fortunately he is not a toy whore, but more than once he's attended an event with a flogger or whatnot on his belt and no real clue how to use it in a meaningful sense. Irritating.

 

[madetotakeit]

I say both are good in their own ways. Although I have yet to spend time on a cross or a bench, there is something about them...both the idea and the look. There is something about knowing they serve one purpose that stirs the blood and causes a few butterflies to start fluttering in my stomach (along with other reactions.) Some of them do lack a certain aesthetic. I know someone who has solved that issue by building his own. The advantage aside from the visual appeal is that it is also multi-functional. (He also builds cages, one of which that I absolutely love. It has a Japanese influence in the style.)

Using what is available also has its advantages. It allows for improvisation as well as the lingering effect of remembering the action every time you see it. As with any pervertible, you will never look at it the same. (I don't think I will ever again be able to use a spatula without my mind wandering. )

 

[WickedEve]

What are your thoughts on fixtures? By this I mean things like spanking benches, the St Andrew's cross, stocks, etc.

I've noticed that I am not interested in them, by and large. The slick, manufactured look bores me, especially in porn. I am much more interested in the tools of expediency, and my aesthetic runs to things like the bamboo poles used in classical style shibari, a woman tied to the hood of a car, trees or forms of nature, industrial piping, and other non-standard fixtures. It implies either urgency, or creative perversion in my mind. "I have this beautiful girl, and I simply must tie her to something to use her properly, and... ah, that tree will do nicely"

I know that Evil_Geoff has a cross, but how many people actually own such things as spanking benches and the like?

We have a fully adjustable, handcrafted, nice wood and leather bondage chair. We've used it twice in the past 8 or 9 monthes. It's boring.
The guy who made the chair, also made us a tit torture device. It's a really good looking piece. Lots of wood, screws, leather straps. We've used it twice.

 

[Homburg]

We have a fully adjustable, handcrafted, nice wood and leather bondage chair. We've used it twice in the past 8 or 9 monthes. It's boring.
The guy who made the chair, also made us a tit torture device. It's a really good looking piece. Lots of wood, screws, leather straps. We've used it twice.

This is another problem I have with these unitaskers, as YC put it. How often am I going to use this piece, vs how often is it going to have a jacket hung on it or somesuch? I'd hate to spend $700 on the swanky (and hot) Rupert Huse spanking bench, and then use it all of twice a year. That would suck.

 

[desertslave]

I say both are good in their own ways. Although I have yet to spend time on a cross or a bench, there is something about them...both the idea and the look. There is something about knowing they serve one purpose that stirs the blood and causes a few butterflies to start fluttering in my stomach (along with other reactions.) Some of them do lack a certain aesthetic. I know someone who has solved that issue by building his own. The advantage aside from the visual appeal is that it is also multi-functional. (He also builds cages, one of which that I absolutely love. It has a Japanese influence in the style.)

Using what is available also has its advantages. It allows for improvisation as well as the lingering effect of remembering the action every time you see it. As with any pervertible, you will never look at it the same. (I don't think I will ever again be able to use a spatula without my mind wandering. )

Oh yeah. You hear in your head something like "you know what this is, you know what it's for....you know what's going to happen, sooner or later."

A fond story about improvisation. My first Sir arrived to visit me and his bag was lost (temporarily, lucky for the airline). I was, ummm, inappropriately amused. Sir improvised viciously well with the rod from the blinds on the window. That's the whippiest cane I ever, EVER experienced!

 

[Blushing Bottom]

I too prefer to use the imagination and like CM enjoy those erotic flashbacks that come from looking at everyday objects. I have paddles, canes cuffs, rope and the such but no furniture to speak of. S had a way of turning most anything into a spanking bench.

 

[Harmony_1985]

I have an office chair and I've just bought a new bed thats alot better than my old bed was for restraining as its a metal bed with a bedhead lol.

Don't need to spend huge amounts of money for it, it can be just as good with a bed.

 

[Netzach]

I don't know. My PYL hasn't had any training or anything, hasn't gone to classes or spent all that much time reading bdsm stuff, though he did read a lot early on when he discovered bdsm. He seems to do fine just sort of winging it. I mean, I think he's awesome and all, but this isn't rocket science.

I guess I'm the rogue consumer around here, but...

I have to say that I *have* found a difference in the ten dollar crop for hitting a horse and the forty dollar crop for hitting a person. I *have* found a difference, as a bottom between how valued I feel tied up with rope from lowes with a scratchy core and tied up with MFP dyed my favorite color. Addditionally, there's a different experience being stuck in a rickety bondage situation or one with unfinished splintery stuff and not. It's not about spending for the sake of spending, but it IS about buying the best you can afford and making something which is good enough that more than only your mother could love it and your slave has to lie about how awesome it is through gritted teeth.

I have this discussion in the indie/DIY context a lot. Not all handmade is equal or awesome. I've seen some gorgeous handmade I'd kill to just buy off the person then and there. I've seen some adorable and lovingly done items. And I've seen a lot of things which boil down to "you are a cheap ass and you don't actually know how to make this."

 

[Netzach]

This is another problem I have with these unitaskers, as YC put it. How often am I going to use this piece, vs how often is it going to have a jacket hung on it or somesuch? I'd hate to spend $700 on the swanky (and hot) Rupert Huse spanking bench, and then use it all of twice a year. That would suck.

It would, but people do that a lot with all kinds of things without beating themselves up. How often do people use the boat they trailer to the lake, all said and done, or that house even?

 

[JMohegan]

The most skilled Tops I know own "fixtures." For them, Topping is part hobby, part erotic sport. The fixtures are put to good & frequent use, on bodies of all shapes and sizes. Hence the remarkable skill.


I also know people who enjoy hosting private play parties in their homes. These people own fixtures and put them to good use as well.


Overall, I agree with Catalina here. Lots of people enjoy fixtures as well as the impromptu & creative use of everyday objects. This is not a mutually exclusive type of thing.

 

[Homburg]

I guess I'm the rogue consumer around here, but...

I have to say that I *have* found a difference in the ten dollar crop for hitting a horse and the forty dollar crop for hitting a person. I *have* found a difference, as a bottom between how valued I feel tied up with rope from lowes with a scratchy core and tied up with MFP dyed my favorite color. Addditionally, there's a different experience being stuck in a rickety bondage situation or one with unfinished splintery stuff and not. It's not about spending for the sake of spending, but it IS about buying the best you can afford and making something which is good enough that more than only your mother could love it and your slave has to lie about how awesome it is through gritted teeth.

I have this discussion in the indie/DIY context a lot. Not all handmade is equal or awesome. I've seen some gorgeous handmade I'd kill to just buy off the person then and there. I've seen some adorable and lovingly done items. And I've seen a lot of things which boil down to "you are a cheap ass and you don't actually know how to make this."

I'm with you here on tools. I'm a cheap bastard, but I've spent a pantload of money on tools (automotive, woodworking, BDSM, etc) as I am of the opinion that an artisan is only as good as his or her tools.

I also have issues with this idea, as I hate it when I make something and it just is not up to snuff. It's why I generally won't make things for other people. It might be acceptable to me, but if it is not to commercial quality, I am not generally going to want to put it in anyone else's hands.

There is a difference though, and it shows in how much I care about the item. I can get solid braid nylon/poly from Lowes and there isn't a bottom around that will complain about it once it has been broken in, but it won't ring her bell, as custom coloured rope, like you said.

Still, I'll take handmade of good quality over purchased fine quality. I like the idea of knowing that I made something, and thus know it inside and out, or that a friend made it, similarly. Then again, I have the fine quality jute imported from Japan, and it is laid loose as hell and I constantly have to massage it and muck with it to keep it from taking a twist. The stuff I processed myself doesn't have the cool factor, but lays better. Fine quality doesn't always live up to expectations.

(Note: I still really dig that jute. It's great stuff, but it is a pain in the butt to deal with at times.)

It would, but people do that a lot with all kinds of things without beating themselves up. How often do people use the boat they trailer to the lake, all said and done, or that house even?

I guess I just don't have that mindset. My dad and I inherited a tri-hull boat from my grandfather when he passed on. It saw water when it rained, and I got tired of the waste. I wound up convincing my dad to trade it for a nice motorcycle, and we got more use out of it.

 

[Homburg]

The most skilled Tops I know own "fixtures." For them, Topping is part hobby, part erotic sport. The fixtures are put to good & frequent use, on bodies of all shapes and sizes. Hence the remarkable skill.

This is a big reason why I've worked to get all sorts of different body types in front of me for tying. I knew that working on different bodies would help me better my skills.

I also know people who enjoy hosting private play parties in their homes. These people own fixtures and put them to good use as well.

In a situation like this, I could totally see owning such fixtures. I know some people that own fixtures for the same reason. In their case, they're homemade fixtures. Of course the fellow that made them is a professional level cabinet-maker, so the fixtures he made are beautiful.

 

[intothewoods]

I guess I'm the rogue consumer around here, but...

I have to say that I *have* found a difference in the ten dollar crop for hitting a horse and the forty dollar crop for hitting a person. I *have* found a difference, as a bottom between how valued I feel tied up with rope from lowes with a scratchy core and tied up with MFP dyed my favorite color. Addditionally, there's a different experience being stuck in a rickety bondage situation or one with unfinished splintery stuff and not. It's not about spending for the sake of spending, but it IS about buying the best you can afford and making something which is good enough that more than only your mother could love it and your slave has to lie about how awesome it is through gritted teeth.

I have this discussion in the indie/DIY context a lot. Not all handmade is equal or awesome. I've seen some gorgeous handmade I'd kill to just buy off the person then and there. I've seen some adorable and lovingly done items. And I've seen a lot of things which boil down to "you are a cheap ass and you don't actually know how to make this."

Oh, I don't think building dungeon furniture is easy. And we do have some expensive toys. Hi, I own Chanel shoes and a pair of Manolos. I don't need much in the way of an excuse to shell out some more dough for quality.

I was just responding to the bit about skills. Does suspension take skill? Yes. And other stuff. And I can tell when a certain Top friend of mine can wield a single tail so that it just gives a nice warming sensation, and doesn't sting a bit. I can't say I notice the difference with rope - but here's another factor. When I'm playing with Mister Man it's foreplay, play play, sexy sex...yada yada. So, I probably don't pay attention to how rope feels. When I play with other people, it's usually at a party and it's usually on equipment. I notice a lot more because it's usually just a top/bottom s&m session, not so much on the sexy sex.

 

[intothewoods]

The aforementioned black on black super swank and totally decked out dungeon is the site of a whole bunch of play parties. The owner is sort of a self-styled dashing bachelor type. I love his place, love playing there, and love the equipment. But I know plenty of skilled tops who don't have the stuff, although come to think of it, they all have kids. I will say also that I personally like having a place to play that is away from home.

 

[subbie_333]

I also have issues with this idea, as I hate it when I make something and it just is not up to snuff. It's why I generally won't make things for other people. It might be acceptable to me, but if it is not to commercial quality, I am not generally going to want to put it in anyone else's hands.

Since i make and sell leather toys, i have several views related to this. It seems that when i think about making a new type of toy, i generally think about how marketable it is, and, whether or not i can do a good job of making it. To help in that area, i have limited myself so far to one type (latigo) and thickness (8 to 10 oz), and, some of my tools are specifically for that leather. Even if i am making a custom item for a friend, i try to stay in my comfort zone. Some of this is related to knowing how long it took me to get comfortable and good with what i do. i have decided that i would need several toy ideas and a reasonable market before moving into other leather and investing the resources to reach a level of quality that i will be happy with.

Rarely do i make a toy just for my own use, without plans to market it. More often i would do some R&D and determine that it didn't turn out too well. That either gets thrown into the personal toy bag, or, i show it at fetish fleas labeled as "Custom items and experiments - not for sale". Many times those items are great conversation starters.

Locally, i have some very good competition that i have decided not to compete head-to-head on certain toys. i show them the respect they deserve and regularly refer people to them when it comes to those toys. Several years ago i came into some money unexpectedly and it was enough to splurge on a very nice elk flogger ($125?) from one of them. To me, it was worth the money compared to the time and frustration i would have endured to make one myself that wouldn't have been anywhere near as nice.

 

[subbie_333]

Still, I'll take handmade of good quality over purchased fine quality. I like the idea of knowing that I made something, and thus know it inside and out, or that a friend made it, similarly. Then again, I have the fine quality jute imported from Japan, and it is laid loose as hell and I constantly have to massage it and muck with it to keep it from taking a twist. The stuff I processed myself doesn't have the cool factor, but lays better. Fine quality doesn't always live up to expectations.

There is another concept related to this and that is something i ask a potential customer in a specific situation and this is: what are you *really* wanting to accomplish with this toy? Usually the example i give is cuffs as it relates to the comfort of the sub. Yeah, to some that would seem to be an odd consideration. But, if you as a PYL want the pyl to focus on your spanking or caning, do you want them distracted by the cuffs that are digging into their arm and maybe cutting off some blood flow? If no, then, get a pair of good (maybe great) comfortable cuffs that are suited to particular types of play. Yes, there are good reasons for having different cuffs for use with a cross, suspension, and, your average bed.

So, i believe the same applies to fixtures. Sometimes having the right thing is the right way to go.

 

[SinfulSailor]

What are your thoughts on fixtures? By this I mean things like spanking benches, the St Andrew's cross, stocks, etc.

I've noticed that I am not interested in them, by and large. The slick, manufactured look bores me, especially in porn. I am much more interested in the tools of expediency, and my aesthetic runs to things like the bamboo poles used in classical style shibari, a woman tied to the hood of a car, trees or forms of nature, industrial piping, and other non-standard fixtures. It implies either urgency, or creative perversion in my mind. "I have this beautiful girl, and I simply must tie her to something to use her properly, and... ah, that tree will do nicely"

I know that Evil_Geoff has a cross, but how many people actually own such things as spanking benches and the like?

I find that from time to time I get a psychological-fetish hard-on for a particular position, or access via a very particular, defined and usually inflexible direction/angle. It seems this is always for a long activity I have in mind. My fetish seems to stay with me until I scratch the itch. Over time I've "made" a variety of "support" type fixtures to accomplish what I see in my mind's eye. So it's not run-of-the-mill S&M "furniture" per se. These positions I shoot for usually involve restraint as well.

There's also the appeal of

"Stand [sit, be whatever] right there. this is going to hurt; don't move."

... but I'm odd that way.

Of course that's absolutely delicious and not to be missed! But sometimes things go on for a long time and even the best girl's limbs tire. And squirming and eventual loss of control often seem to come at the very time that continuation of the activity will yield, or is just about to yield, the greatest or most erotic result.

It's really an over-the-top kind of feeling for me to see the shuddering and convulsing, orgasms and so on and she can not move away. At all. It is physically impossible. She can completely lose control and she's still right there where and as I put her. Taking what I give her. A St. Andrews Cross does not provide this level of immobility. Nor do typical spanking benches. An ottoman comes closer and is the only thing I keep around on a long term basis.