This post is on the Other BDSM web board.
| Sun 15 Jan 12, 12:57 PM Master_Blacksmith UK(GU), 13 mths   |
Iv just been wondering recently about the things I would like to make as a blacksmith which could be used for kink. Chains, manicles, restraints, collers etc.. I have a little experience with leatherworking too, but im better at blacksmithing.
I actually knew a guy who I worked with in Norfolk who told me he did make a good living making kink things for a client who owned a dungeon, the only reason he stopped apparently was cause they were asking him to make things which would be dangerous. Manciles that cut into the skin for example :-/ I guess my question: Is there actually a market out there for custom bdsm based toys as it were? | |||
| 15 Jan 12, 1:15 PM Tanos  UK(M), 14 yrs   |
There is a market at some level because you do see custom metalwork items around that people have bought. However, I suspect the bulk of sales are for standard items people see then want on a website or at a stall at a fair. :T: www.tanos.org.uk | |||
| 15 Jan 12, 1:29 PM londonplaything UK(SW), 5 yrs |
make more generally known and seeling items (at fares etc as suggested) and get you name known. People will come to you for thier custom work. Combine the iron-work and leather too... it'll be a winner lp ................bitie bitie................... | |||
| 15 Jan 12, 1:41 PM ocimum_sanctum UK(EH), 2 yrs |
Almost certainly, although people will probably want to see/use your "standard" items first before submitting orders for custom bits and bobs. The other avenue to look at would be contacting people/companies that make BDSM videos and offer them a one-off freebie on the agreement that when viewers ask "oh, who made that" they pass your name on.
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| 15 Jan 12, 1:42 PM Souci_X UK(BA), 5 yrs |
If you get a couple of people loving your work then its easy, any time a thread pops up here your name will get mentioned etc, so it is worth getting out there in the first place, making some brilliant things and persuading prolific posters/scene members to buy your stuff. | |||
| 15 Jan 12, 1:52 PM tanken UK(NR), 2 yrs |
Being chained up can be sexy especially if the chains themselves look good to the eye or to a camera  Happiness is a warm bum | |||
| 15 Jan 12, 2:04 PM bohnanza UK(FK), 12 yrs |
If we call 20 grand a year a good living, that means at £150 an hour the dungeon person is sacrificing 133.33 hours of work for dungeon equipment. I have no idea how many hours a week a PD works, but my bet is they get paid for less than 40 hours a week. If they get paid for 20 hours a week, that is the entire income for 6 weeks, or 11.5% of the year. I find that a bit much to spend on dungeon equipment every year. I have the perfect accent for conflict resolution, shame about the personality. | |||
| 15 Jan 12, 2:34 PM mia UK(M), 4 yrs     |
It might be worth making some flyers or business cards and a few examples of your work and go to some munches, clubs or other events, where the organisers are happy for you to pass on your cards and show your examples. That way, you can just make what is asked of you, rather than having a big supply of stock you're trying to sell then finding it doesn't sell and you're left out of pocket. x Now where were we? Ah, yes - abject humiliation! | |||
| 15 Jan 12, 3:13 PM Ianneil UK(N), 5 yrs |
My thought would be think of yourself in the dragon's den making a pitch. Ask yourself the same questions they ask the quivering hopefuls. Albeit are you thinking hobby or business? Bespoke garden iron work may be a better earner, wider market. My thought if I was in your position I'd avoid doing what is available easily and knock up some unique stuff, a little marketing and see what the reaction is.
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| 15 Jan 12, 3:21 PM Ms_Rika US, 7 mths |
Starting an internet off-shoot (the Kinky Device Division) of an existing metal works business would allow you to slowly develop the connections and reputation that would allow you to grow your business into something fulfilling and lucrative. Unfortunately, you can't ignore the practicality here.
- Rika Edited 15 Jan 12, 3:22 PM by Ms_Rika | |||
| 15 Jan 12, 3:41 PM Master_Blacksmith UK(GU), 13 mths |
Definatly, these are things I need to consider if I want to be serious bout this. I certainly don't want it to be the only way I specialise, I just thought it might be another branch I could reach out with as it were. Thank you all for your input.
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