Leather-wrapped rattan whip (black·50cm)

A whip made from a rattan core wrapped in leather. It is 50cm long, weighs 60g and is black. A flat leather paddle at the tip gives it a defined striking surface.

A shaft of leather over a rattan core

The rattan core inside gives it spring when swung, and the outside is wrapped in woven leather. At 60g it is light enough to swing from the wrist alone. It is a tool that strikes with speed rather than weight, so it makes a sound without a large arm movement.

The flat paddle at the tip

The tip is finished with a wide piece of leather, so the contact area is narrow and definite. Unlike a whip with several falls, the force gathers at one point, so at the same strength it lands harder. You can aim precisely, but a miss lands at full force, so measure the distance first.

The handle and the wrist loop

The handle is finished top and bottom with gold rings, and a leather strap for the wrist hangs from the end. It will not fly away if it slips from your hand. At 50cm long, it can be used at arm's length with distance between the two of you.

Before you use it

A tool that strikes with a narrow surface leaves marks that last. Strike your own arm first to settle on a strength before you begin. Use only the buttocks and the outside of the thighs, and avoid the flanks where the kidneys are, the spine, the neck, the face and the joints. The rattan core warps for good if it is left pressed in a bend, so hang it straight to store it.