This is my first foray into flogging. I think Bessie is an excellent choice for a beginner given how much control she gives you over level of pain. She can deliver a range of sensations from mild to too painful for this reviewer.

Whether you're interested in a gentle dabble in BDSM or desire to cause a bit of pain, Bessie can accomplish that goal.

This flogger is very nicely constructed. It's made of ten strips of leather which are each twelve inches long and a half inch wide. Each strip was exactly the same length upon first examination. After repeated use, some strips are slightly longer than others but only about 1/16 of an inch. Time will tell if the disparity of lengths increases.

When I first removed this from the packaging and held it up, letting the strips dangle, I thought it wasn't the suede flogger I expected. The smooth leather side of each strip faced outward concealing the suede sides. The smooth side of each strip feels luxuriously smooth and soft.

It smells absolutely heavenly.

The handle is seven and a half inches long, made of hard plastic. The keeper is five and a quarter inches long. The areas where the keeper and leather strips meet the plastic are wrapped in rubbery material.

I'm impressed with how well-made and durable it appears to be. I do not believe this flogger will wear out or come apart. I expect it to last quite a long time.

This flogger can be used to deliver quite a range of pain depending on how hard it is cracked and how frequently it is applied to the same area. After one whip, I thought it wasn't bad but by the fourth lash it was too much for me. I confess that I'm a pain weenie. My partner is able to take much more than I am. Who knew he had such whiplust?

I found it easy to control the placement of each stroke as well as the level of intensity. Only occasionally did a stroke go astray. Just to be safe I restrict my strikes to the butt and thighs until I'm certain my aim is reliably accurate.

Bessie makes a satisfyingly loud WAP noise with each strike. It will leave skin red but not bruised and will not cause welts. The level of pain it delivers is comparable to what you can achieve with the palm of your hand but Bessie is much more fun to use.

She can also be drawn gently across your partner's back or thighs to provide a subtle pleasant sensation akin to a fingertip massage.

Cleaning is probably best accomplished with a slightly damp cloth for the smooth side and a suede brush for the suede side. I haven't had a need to clean mine yet. I hear there are leather dry cleaners which might also be an option.

I was storing mine by laying it on top of my toy box folded in half where the ends of the strips were even with the end of the handle. Do not repeat my mistake! Folding caused very slight creases to form and probably accounts for the slightly different strip lengths I've observed. Now I hang it on a hook in the closet. There's a reason for that strap. Storing it laid flat will also work.

Bessie arrived in a simple plastic bag. I for one appreciate the low environmental footprint of minimalist packaging and the lack of unnecessary plastic which I would have immediately discarded anyway.

A tag was included that reads "The Leather Bessie. Another economical flogger from Leatherbeaten's secret underground Laboratory, our Leather Bessie's 12" long lashes of no nonsense, top grain cowhide give her a certain bossy authority. She's the kind of shy retiring type who, given half a chance, would cheerfully wrestle Prince Charming to the ground and march him off to the woodshed in a headlock."

A wonderful description. I so identify with this.

I recently slapped my partner's bottom a few times. His response to this simple action was overwhelmingly positive. The slaps triggered a rapid-fire outpouring of sentiments such as "Yes! YES! You can tie me up and flog me. You can blindfold me. You can do anything you want to me!" Previously I had not a clue that he wanted this even though I've been with him for years. You think you know someone. Apparently he is too submissive to tell me this without prompting.

I have to say I was not pleased at first. I'm the submissive one. But it seems that he's more submissive than myself. I'm at least willing to flog him and direct our actions. Surprisingly, I find that I quite like doing this. So I'm not really as submissive as I thought after all. Horizons broadened.

I love how flogging can be such a loving action. Pain and love administered simultaneously.