Expert: Master Shadow - 1/20/2007

Question

My Slave would liked to be marked by me his Domme, he is not talking Piercings or Tattoos he is specifying that he be branded.  Isn't this abuse.

Answer
Branding is not actually abuse, if agreed to by both parties. It can, however, if not done properly scar the slave. The slave needs to be restrained properly. This means totally unable to move, twist or jump. If he is allowed to do so, you run the risk of ruining the brand. He must be restrained at the hips, right at the start of both legs, the middle back, and just below the shoulders, as well as above the knees. The restraints should be tight. This will hold him securely while the branding is taking place.  The brand should be as hot as possible. Otherwise, you will have to keep it there longer than either of you would like, and cause undue pain to your slave. The brand will need to be held on the spot with firm pressure for at least three seconds to be permanent. It should contain no circles, if possible, or there will be the cookie cutter routine, where the skin in the circle will be lifted from his body when you remove the iron. Avoid fancy loops as well, same reason. Most use an initial, or two, or numbers. And, the slave should be gagged, or have the mouth duct taped. I prefer duct tape, personally. The slave will scream when the branding is done. This is normal. There will be a lot of pain during, and afterwards. The brand will have to be cared for properly. I would suggest icing the spot, with the ice covered by a cloth, to avoid damaging the area. Pain pills would be handy if you prefer the slave not suffer overly much. A good ointment can be applied later, like hydrocortisone cream, or salve. The area is to be kept covered until it heals properly. The bandages changed often, and the area checked for infection regularly. It is to be kept clean as well. At the first sign of infection, antibiotics need to be administered. If these guidelines are followed, you will have a properly branded slave. There are many companies who sell branding supplies for cattle and livestock. Their standard irons are too large, in my opinion, but they will make custom irons for a slightly higher fee, so getting one made smaller should be no problem. Prepare the iron per the instructions that come with the iron. Make sure it is cleaned properly before use, and afterwards. I hope this helps.


                                     SINcerely in Leather,
                                     Master Shadow.