I'm a latecomer(?) I realise. But my ha'porth may be worthwhile none the less.

We're all different, thank the Gods. I have a very sensitive skin - not to mention my soul! Quite a relaxed cut can produce very satisfactory results, both for me and my domme -- a sharp pain in my buttocks, which then forks through my limbs to my fingers and toes. She knows me now, and how to space the strokes, so that each builds on the previous one, gradually raising the level of torment. We have a whipping bench, and I'm strapped down very firmly, so that I can only move my head. In addition to the cumulative effect, the spaces also provide room for my fear to grow, and for her to enjoy this. We have several mirrors, so that I can see her petting the end of the cane between strokes and smiling, as she lays it on my buttocks and takes aim for the next cut.

Usually I am not gagged. But she expects me to show fortitude. Normally shaking my head to-and-fro is a permissible expression of travail, as is a moderate sound through clenched teeth. And she doesn't mind my fingers clenching the frame as I wait for the next one. Anything less disciplined than this brings penalties.

Last time, after I had had about 18, and was at the end of my tether, she said that she wanted to give me six more. Before I could stop myself I replied that I wasn't sure that I could bear it. Whereupon she told me that my protest had made her wish even stronger, and that I should prepare myself for 12. She offered me a choice (she's all heart) between turning up the CD player or a gag, explaining that she was thinking about the neighbours.
I said that perhaps 'facing the music' might be the appropriate choice. She enjoyed this, but also thought it a bit sassy, and decided to gag me as well.

So I had 12 more, very slowly, delivered to the accompaniment of Samuel Barber's Adagio.

By the end the pain was inhabiting every nook and cranny of my body, and my soul was cringing in helpless fear. But two days later there wasn't a mark on me - though there was a desire for revenge.

That's at one end. At the other, it is really necessary to practice with a cane, which is hard to control. My domme is very good and very accurate, placing the cuts just where she wants them. I'm more erratic, even with practice - perhaps because she likes to be hit harder. So yes, when I'm on top, I favour a lovely little synthetic stinger, which she says has her wanting to climb out of the window. It's much more appropriate than a cane for the tender insides her thighs and her breasts, where really light flicks in a steady rhythm can build to something pretty remarkable.

Both of us find the esperience wonderful in itself, and a terrific preparation for sex.