DIY BDSM Crop: PRO TIPS from a BDSM Sex Toy Tester!

Featured imageBuilding a BDSM crop may seem like a budget-friendly option, but it carries significant risks as there’s a chance of unintended injuries or infections, especially if you lack expertise in material safety and assembly. So no bueno.

Instead, we highly recommend investing in a high-quality product like Bondage Boutique Faux Leather. It’s got a killer price of just $24.99 (even cheaper with the discount code MSTG15 for 15% off!).

However, we understand that not everyone has access to sex toy stores, so we’ve provided some semi-safe alternative options below. Please note that these alternatives come with certain safety concerns and should be approached cautiously and at your own risk!

Key Takeaways
  • It’s crucial to be aware of the risks of BDSM, especially when using everyday household items for impact play. Safety should always be a top priority, which is why we strongly recommend investing in professionally tested and manufactured products. Commercial products not only protect both you and your partner but also contribute to a safer and more enjoyable experience overall.
  • However, we understand that purchasing branded BDSM products may not always be possible for everyone. For those, we have compiled a list that can serve as substitutes for riding crops. However, it’s essential to proceed with caution and carefully follow the provided instructions to minimize any potential hazards. Prioritizing safety will ensure a more pleasurable and risk-aware experience.

Why You Should Trust Us?

Rachel SommerRachel Sommer is a renowned expert in the field of sexology, specializing in testing and building BDSM sex toys. Through collaborative efforts with our team, (Tim Larson and Sandra Larson) Rachel has conducted extensive research and testing, focusing specifically on DIY BDSM equipment, including homemade BDSM leather crops.

Rachel thinks it’s essential to listen to her readers, so she reads every e-mail, article comment, and tweet he receives. She highly values this feedback and takes it to heart. Feel free to call her at +1 307-372-3895 or email her at [email protected]. Please include your full name, phone number, or email address so she can get back to you swiftly.

 


What Is a DIY BDSM Crop?

A makeshift BDSM crop (or horse leather crop) is a type of homemade impact play toy used in BDSM activities. It’s a short, flexible rod commonly wrapped with leather or another material, with a handle on one side and a flat keeper on the other. People use them to achieve a variety of sensations, from a sharp smack with the rod to a more tender slap with the keeper.

Stockroom's Hog Slapper BDSM crop

Note: The product above is an example of a commercial riding crop: The Stockroom’s Hog Slapper a great all-around model made by and for BDSM enthusiasts. Equipped with a broad, genuine leather tip, it won’t sting as much as narrower-tipped BDSM crops so often tend to do. This bad boy is the best BDSM crop we tested but please read the other products as well right here.

Originally, riding crops were used to encourage horses and make them perform specific tasks or new commands. By using them, riders can provide subtle cues and reinforcement to guide the horse’s movements and actions. But people soon learned that it can be used for other, more mischievous activities.

 


Is Making a Homemade BDSM Crop Safe?

No, we strongly advise against making a leather BDSM crop at home because they aren’t safe. Making homemade versions may seem cost-effective and easy but like homemade floggers and DIY whips, they come with a lot of risk, and using poorly made or unsafe toys can lead to serious injury. It’s not worth the risk.

A man thinking

For example, a homemade crop may not have the same materials as a store-bought one. As a consequence, it will be too rigid and unable to bend which can lead to issues such as breaking during use, and worse causing injury to the user or their partner. That is why we strongly suggest not to make impact toys.

 


Some Semi-Safe Ideas

If you’re interested in making a leather BDSM crop at home, there are a few materials you can use to create a semi-safe and effective tool. Here are some ideas you might want to consider at your own risk.

Note: Any action you take upon the information on this website is strictly at your own risk. Please read our Terms of Service to learn more.

1. Paracord and Leather with Wooden Dowel handle

Materials Needed:

  • Wooden dowel
  • Leather or fabric for the tip
  • Glue, screws, or nails for attaching the tip
  • Option 2 (Paracord and Leather)
  • Length of paracord
  • Piece of leather for the tip
  • Knot, glue, or wire for attaching the tip to the paracord

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Grab a wooden dowel and measure it to ensure it is a suitable length. It should be neither too thin nor too thick for your riding crop.
  2. Cut two pieces of leather or fabric into a shape that will serve as the tip of the crop. Trim as needed until you get the desired shape.
  3. Apply glue, screws, or nails to securely attach the tip to one end of the wooden dowel.
  4. Allow the adhesive (if using glue) to dry completely before use. Leave it for a few hours to ensure it holds everything in place.
  5. Measure and cut a length of paracord according to your desired length.
  6. Cut a piece of leather into a shape that will serve as the tip.
  7. Use a knot, glue, or wire to attach the tip to one end of the paracord.
  8. Ensure the attachment is secure and tight, allowing the tip to withstand usage without becoming loose.

2. Fiberglass Rod with Veg-Tan Leather

Materials Used:

  • Fiberglass rod with a plastic reflector
  • Piece of pine for the mold
  • Shiny finished leather
  • Veg-Tan leather (recommended)
  • Heat shrink tubing
  • Walnut scrap for the handle
  • Danish oil
  • Glue (preferably leather glue)
  • Sandpaper (150 grit)
  • Gum for the tip
  • Dremel burnisher

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Trace the reflector onto a piece of pine screwed into a work surface.
  2. Use a plunge router to cut a slightly oversized, half-depth hole based on the reflector outline.
  3. Wet the leather pieces and press them into the mold using the reflector, applying weight.
  4. Trim up the leather pieces and start saddle stitching, carefully pricking iron the layers sandwiching the reflector.
  5. Put heat shrink tubing on the fiberglass shaft and add a second piece to snugly fit into the wooden handle.
  6. Use the leather glue to the rod into the handle securely. Wait for the leather glue to settle.
  7. Once the glue settles, finish the stitching on both sides and sand any uneven parts of the leather around the rim.
  8. Apply gum to the tip and use a Dremel burnisher for cleanup.
  9. Polish the finished crop.

Source: Reddit

If attempting this project again:

  • Invest more effort into the mold for better leather shells.
  • Use more material for cleaner excess removal after stitching.
  • Create a template for punching thread holes on the bench for better alignment.
  • Make a wider bevelling bit for more efficient edge cleanup.

3. Equestrian Crop

If you or your family train horses or partake in horseback riding, I’m sure you have an equestrian crop or authentic leather riding crop lying around. They’re a great alternative or even a better option as one Redditor said,

“Former horse rider here. You can’t go wrong with an equestrian crop. They are very sturdy and intended for regular usage. They are maybe not as BDSM looking but have generally speaking far superior quality for a lot less money.”

Just make sure to use a clean one or better yet, one that’s unused to avoid any infections.

Note: If you want something just as cheap as an equestrian crop, then get the Bondage Boutique Faux Leather. Not only the perfect spanking toy for novices, but this Faux Leather Riding Crop is also remarkably affordable. Twenty-four dollars and ninety-nine cents will get you this finely crafted, super-wide tipped crop.

 


Not Safe at All Ideas

Not Covering the Wood

You must protect the wooden rod by making a safety cover. If the wood isn’t smooth, it can give you splinters which can cause unnecessary pain (Ouch). To avoid this, wrapping the rod with thick or thin leather is a decent hack. Typically, you need to cover the rod as much as possible to protect your and your partner’s skin from unpolished wood and to give support when you bend the toy. Making it too thick or too thin will always depend on your taste. These steps will make sure the crop is safe to use and give you a better experience overall.

Using Materials That Are Not Sterilized

You must use materials that are properly sterilized for your DIY BDSM riding crop. Using materials that are not sterilized can lead to the spread of infections or diseases, which can be dangerous for both you and your partner. Yucky!

 


How to Use a Homemade Leather Crop?

  1. Safety First: Safety should be the top priority. Ensure the crop is clean and free of any sharp edges or splinters, and wrap it with leather for better protection. It’s also a good idea to verify the length to avoid hitting any unintended body parts. Discuss any potential safety concerns with your partner and define a safe word or signal.
  2. Warm-Up: Start with a gentle stroke or tap to allow the body to adjust to the sensation. Once they become comfortable with the tap, begin hitting the fleshy areas of the body, such as the buttocks. (Avoid hitting any bone or sensitive areas). Gradually increase the intensity and frequency of the strokes as the body becomes more accustomed to the sensation.
  3. Communication: Communication is key in any BDSM activity. Check in with your partner regularly to ensure they are comfortable with the intensity and frequency of the strokes. Use the safe word to indicate when the activity needs to stop immediately.
  4. Variation: Experiment with different strokes and techniques to keep the activity exciting and engaging. Try using the crop in combination with other BDSM equipment, such as rope cuffs or blindfolds, to enhance the experience.
  5. Aftercare: After the activity, provide aftercare to your partner to ensure that they feel safe and comfortable. This can include cuddling, talking, or providing water and snacks.

A man spanking a woman's butt

If you want to pull all the stops and add other BDSM toys to your collection, you can start by using feather ticklers and DIY BDSM blindfolds for sensory play. We have guides for both of them which you can check by clicking their respective links.

 


Why Is it Better to Buy a Commercial Product?

Versatility

A Real riding crop is designed with versatility in mind. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its unique features and uses. For example, some models are more flexible than others, others have a narrow end for more intense stinging, while others have a wider end for less intense stinging. Some crops even have a slapper with a flat and wider tip that provides less intense stinging and a very loud sound.

sex and mischief

If you seek something versatile, then give Sex & Mischief a try. With feathers on one end and a wide genuine leather loop on the other, the Sex & Mischief 2-in-1 Feather Tickler Riding Crop is like two impact play toys in one. Whether you like simple, sensual erotic spanking scenes or more intense ones, this combination does it all and then some.

Materials

Commercial products are made from a variety of materials, including trim leather, rubber, and PVC. They are the most preferred materials because they are durable, flexible, and able to provide the desired level of stinging sensation. Homemade crops, on the other hand, may be made from materials that are not suitable for BDSM play, such as plastic or wood. These materials may break or splinter during use, which can be dangerous and cause injury. No bueno!

Rachel

Rachel Sommer, Ph.D.
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