SELECTING A CANE

by Mistress Michelle Peters

CARE

To keep canes healthy, once a year one should sand the tip, stand the cane in a vase of water overnight, and then revarnish the tip.

Canes should be able to bend significantly. One should be able to bring the cane down in a straight line. The cane should have three or more coats of varnish.

Small diameter = sharp pain. Large diameter = thud.

CANING HINTS

• The bottom experiences two sensations with every stroke (nerves being compressed and then expanding). Thus, the strokes shouldn't go too fast.
• Be sure the room isn't too cold.
• Bottom should relax muscles in butt to avoid later lactic acid buildup causing a deep ache.
• It is difficult if not impossible to kill any Hepatitis pathogens on canes.
• Extra Zinc helps bruises heal.
• Avoid striking the tailbone and the back of the knee.
• Front of thighs can be caned.
• The fold between the buttocks and thighs is termed the "sulcus," and can be quite painful when struck.
• A circular "fluffing" motion can be effective for rapid "warm-up" strokes.
• Backhanded strokes often land harder.
• Hitting and holding delays the second stage of pain.