BDSM On A Budget – Cuffs, Collars & Gags, Oh My

We’ve been pretty creative and frugal thus far in the BDSM On A Budget series. But, within every discipline, interest, etc. there are just indisputable necessities that require stepping back from creative repurposing on a budget. I honestly don’t care if Martha Stewart has an online tutorial for making thrifty, yet hinting at spring with floral accents versions of today’s topic.

Yes, as the title indicated, this time we discuss what should be standard gear for any couple engaged in BDSM and/or a D/s dynamic – leather bondage cuffs and collars. We’ll even toss in a leather strap ball gag at no extra cost!

When people and/or couples first start exploring bondage, it’s almost always via hands tied with scarves, rope, clothing, even tape. But in time the fumbling with knots that are either too tight or too loose will get to be an issue, as well as the limitations that a restrictive, focused binding has. You can tie hands together, or even through/around something like I did with my belt in Away Games. You’ll need to tie knots twice to secure legs wide. Tying limbs together? More knots. Still erect? Still wet? I hope so.

And so on.

Now, don’t get me wrong. Rope is sexy, timeless, romantic even. Scarves are amazing. I mentioned them when we went thrift shopping. Clothing is very spontaneous and adds a delightful irony to bondage. Tape is cold, violent and will add a sadomasochistic aspect when removed.

But eventually you will, once your Dominant unties you, want to get off porch and “run with the big dogs”. I’m talking the real shit – dedicated leather bondage cuffs and a collar. Like these:

Before I continue, all of what I will be discussing today can be purchased at Leather Etc. The images are linked to the product pages. I ask that you please finish reading before clicking any links.

(Disclaimer – I am not receiving any compensation from Leather Etc. as result of any endorsements…….yet)

We own two pairs of the fleece lined, leather, double ring cuffs like you see above. They are comfortable, secure, can be actually locked with a small padlock through the buckle if you like and just look sharp as fuck. The two rings allow for a multitude of bondage opportunities. They even come with a metal connector (like you use on a dog chain/leash) at no extra cost.

They go on quickly, are extremely secure and make your submissive just glow, radiate. And again, with one on each wrist and ankle, the possibilities for bondage origami are almost endless. Many times Leigh will be able to relax her legs in that the restraints are holding them in place. She may not appreciate how open and vulnerable that place is, but at least she is not doing kinky Pilates.

Now here is the kicker. Each set is only $29.95! And…they come in wrist AND ankle sizes if you wish to go that route. When we bought ours years ago they only had one size, which we have found to work on both wrists and ankles. Plus they were $5 less then! The S/H is a flat rate $4.95.

So, for what you would pay for dinner and a movie (even less if you get the large popcorn) you could have two pair of serious play leather bondage cuffs with connectors at your doorstep.

So now that you have your submissive restrained, you need to keep them quiet. Ever fumble tying the scarf gag, or catch loose hair in the knot? Want to use what the “pros” do? Then for a mere $8.99 your submissive’s screams could be muffled very nicely with this:

This leather strap ball gag is adjustable and comes with a buckle. The perfect fit every time, and no more clumps of hair torn out in that scarf (not that a lil’ pain is bad, mind you). And again, there is the romance of the classics. Submissives droop at the sight, but relish the thought that you care enough to gag them with the very items that porn stars use.

Finally, the one piece that actually does not truly fit into the budget theme, but it should be in your toy box:

The symbol of submission – a leather bondage collar. Please note that I said “bondage collar” and not just collar. Big difference. A leather collar often only has the one front ring. A bondage collar has three rings. BIG difference as to what you can do to and with your submissive as a result.

This one is fleece lined. Some submissives may enjoy the feel of just leather on their necks. That’s fine. Leigh prefers the fleece, plus I think it increases comfort, which can lead to longer play sessions when its being used for what it’s designed for.

Those side rings are crucial for adding countless binding options. Wrists to neck is the most obvious. I like to use them to keep Leigh’s head immobile with lateral restraint. I could go on and on….

…sigh.

This is an investment. But again, collars are extremely symbolic. Merely wearing it starts the mind fucking, let alone what potential lies within its kinky three-ring circus. Your submissive deserves a proper and attractive collar.

It’s not cheap at $49 for the fleece lining and three rings, but again a small price to pay for the lifetime of orgasmic memories it will generate. If you just want straight leather, single ring collars they run only $14.99.

I know there are tutorials on-line as to how to make all of these, but let’s be honest. I would want these to be made by someone more versed in leather work than I. Restraints should be safe. I trust these. This is not a place to be cutting corners, in my humble opinion, but you can get professional quality leather cuffs and collars at a very reasonable price.

So there you have it. For about $130 you could have all of this to play with. I think, for the passion you invest in your passion, it’s a very fair price to pay to bring some quality to your bondage efforts, as well as so much more.

Next time we go Budget BDSM we will visit the home improvement store and show you a very cheap, efficient and kinky way to use your new cuffs and collar. It will give new meaning to “hardware”…heh.

– Scot