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From adultshowoffs.com
Review by Brian Ex
5 stars (out of 5)

The Better Built Bondage Book
 
This is the type of book that lands on your desk with a resounding thud. Containing just short of 400 pages, it resembles a hefty shop manual and, for the most part, that's exactly what it is. In the opening pages, Douglas explains how it took over five years to complete. I could see why as I read through it. Information and ideas have painstakingly been collected, detailed, and cross-referenced to walk a home-based toymaker right through the entire process, from selecting materials to using the tools needed to the actual design and even usage of the each toy, regardless of one's handyman abilities. But it doesn't stop there.
 
The Better Built Bondage Book is also filled with interesting ideas for your future toy needs and variations on what you might already have on hand. This is an excellent resource for those just starting out or those with modest toy collections. It will literally pay for itself with the money you save on retail purchases. But even the serious, well-equipped players should find many new ideas or better ways of doing things within its pages.
 
The book is divided into 7 main sections that progressively educate the reader on everything they need to know to make their own toys. I suspect few will actually sit down and read this book cover to cover, but rather browse the different projects first and then come back to the earlier educational portions as needed.
 
The first section is an introduction to the book. Douglas lays out all the minimum standards and requirements for the toys he has included and what may be expected in order for the reader to build them. General safety info and tips on sourcing material are also included along with further explanation of the technical drawings and plans he's used.
 
The second section covers in great detail all the materials used in the various projects. Hardware, leather, finishes, rattan, rope, wood, and even upholstery all have their own chapters. These have everything you will need to know in order to locate, purchase, and work with these materials, along with experienced buying tips for saving even more money.
 
Section three rounds out the reader's knowledge by covering the tools needed and their operation. But there are no fancy or extraordinary tools here. Basic power tools, common hand tools, and a few relatively inexpensive specialty items like a rivet gun (available from any hardware store).
 
You're almost ready to get busy as you head into the fourth section. This is where the book starts to transition to actual projects. The "Skills" section has been devoted to common tasks often included within the various projects such as how to fasten secure anchor points to walls and ceilings, finish the handles on toys, decorative knots like a Turk's Head, upholstery techniques, and the variables involved in proper whip design. You should now know what you need in order to successfully make any of the toys in the next three final sections of The Better Built Bondage Book. This is where the fun starts.
 
The remaining 215 pages have been divided into sections depending on the effort and complexity of the toys involved, with "Quickies" up first. This fifth section is a grab bag of quick and easy toys and devilishly ingenious ideas. Most items can be whipped up in a matter of minutes using things found around home. Basic rope floggers, a crucifix chair, nipple jewelry and clamps, a bath towel single tail whip, and even a penis pump (made almost entirely from stuff sitting in your recycle box) can all be found here.
 
Next up is "Projects" and one of the two main toy sections. These ones will usually entail a little more time and effort to make, but everything should be well within the average person's ability. This section includes toys like whips, floggers, canes, harnesses, and spreader bars. A really nice extra effort from Douglas was to include many suggested variations on the projects so you can choose your favourite design.
 
The seventh and final section is simply incredible. The toys and equipment listed here will require some time and effort to build, but between the detailed plans and drawings, text descriptions and advice, plus the first half of the book teaching you how (and even being referenced when needed), you have a complete collection of self-made toys available for less money (and often better designed than commercial stuff), guaranteed to keep You and yours entertained for hours.
 
When I briefly previewed the book a couple of months ago, I only had the chance to quickly flip through it. I figured it would be a "fun book to have some day," but now that I've had time to dig into my own copy, I would say this is a "have to have" for anyone looking to play. Not only will the book pay for itself with the money saved by making your own toys, but it will also give you all kinds of ideas of your own. Do yourself a favour and add this one to your collection.
 

Reviewer: Bryan Ex
Score: 5 stars (out of 5)

 
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  "There has never been a comprehensive book written about the construction of toys, equipment, and furniture for the BDSM scene. Until now. Overboard in my praise."
-- Rose City Discussion Club newsletter