I saw this lovely item hanging in a friend's home and I just had to get my own. I was definitely not disappointed. I agree with the other reviews that it's not for a beginner, but depending on how hard it's swung, it can go from a moderate stinging up to intense pain that leaves marks and can draw a little blood.

When I got the package, I was so excited because I was finally getting to hold it in my hands, and it even exceeded my expectations. It is very obviously a quality product. The handle is a checkerboard pattern made of black and red leather with a braided loop handle from which it can be hung for storage or display. If you can hang it (and you don't have anyone from whom you need to hide it), I'd encourage that, to keep the tails nice and untangled. The handle and loop are very sturdily and carefully made; there aren't any loose edges or signs that anything but care was taken in its creation. From tip of the loop to the end of the tails, this flogger is over 2 feet long. I'm not the one who weilds this flogger (I stay on the receiving end), but the handle fits very comfortably in the hand. The handle itself is about 8" long with a grip area of about 5.5". Plenty of space for even a big strong hand to grip it solidly.

The tails (the part I like best of course) are about 20" long. They are a combination of soft, red suede strips, and braided thin glossy leather with barbs that look very much like barbed wire. There are lots and lots of tails--this flogger is very full and lush. They are sturdily attached to the handle with, again, no visible flaws.

There are a lot of wonderful things about this item. It's a perfect combination of form and function, utility and beauty. I like using pretty and well-made things when I'm playing because it really adds to the experience.

To keep it nice, you could rub the handle with a very slightly damp cloth if it got messy. I wouldn't get the tails wet or even damp because they are such a pretty, soft suede but I'm sure with extended use they may get a little soiled. This DEFINITELY is not a toy that should be shared with anyone with whom you're not fluid bonded--with heavy beatings the barbs can draw blood.

I absolutely love being on the receiving end of my Dom swinging this flogger against my backside, thighs and calves. It's both stingy and thuddy pain, but more stingy to me (my favorite).... I love the electric stinging radiating from each strike and lingering. He's used it on me for only a few playtimes yet, so I know I haven't felt the maximum intensity (and it hasn't yet drawn blood or left marks that lasted more than an hour). It's been intense enough, though, that I would dodge it and have to be shackled ;)

He really seems to like it too, it seems to give him quite a workout since it's on the heavy side and quite long. Plus it's so frightening-looking, and we both love that. I also know he enjoys the symphony of whimpers and cries that he inspires with it!