In my relatively short time of body modifications, I have jumped in full speed. My first tattoo was larger than any one else I know, and the piercings I've gotten have been more extreme for my area.
At A Glance Author Bill Krueger Contact Bill Krueger@bme.anon IAM Bill_Krueger When A year ago Artist Dave Studio Flesh Chamber Location Appleton, WI Now I've already had a few brands in the past, so its nothing new to me. I started with a strike brand (which is listed here), and then had a cauterization brand on my left leg. None of these seemed too difficult for me and I wanted to push my self to see what I can handle. This is all about mind games for me. Find out who I am and what I am made of, and top it off with a rush.
I made an appointment to go to the Flesh Chamber to get it done, these guys are the best in our state period! Two friends also accompanied me, can't do this stuff alone. One was getting a tattoo by Jeff and the other was thinking of getting a brand after me.
When I walked in, I knew exactly what I wanted. I was going to have the Kanji sign for freak branded on me. Not a small one like before, but more like 6" or bigger. I showed Dave what I wanted and he went and sketched it up. It was about the size I wanted. As he started setting up I went over and watched my friend Billie get flames tattooed around her ankle. Few minutes later Dave came and got me and the session started.
He told me due to the size he couldn't go with straight solid lines like my others. He would do what he called brush strokes. I was told the method would make it look cooler.
One of my friends was in front of me to see if I would cringe or if my eyes would water. I just looked at her and grinned. I was loving it! To my surprise it hurt a bit more than I thought it would. I guess my shoulder blade is more tender than I thought. As he went, my friend went behind me to see what was going on. She told me I was the biggest freak she knew, and that was quit a lot coming out of her. The procedure went on for quit a while, as usual I had many guest in the room at one point or another. Seems branding isn't too big in my area and people are amazed by it, even the tattoo artists. They all think I'm a little nuts I think.
As the session went on I remember feeling every burn, bit by bit. I was sweating so much I was a bit embarrassed. Dave told me not to worry, freaks can sweat. About half way through, we started running into some problems. Because of the size of my design, his cauterizing tool was over heating. The tool he uses isn't like the one fore sale at BMEShop. His is a high quality hospital grade piece of equipment. These tools are made for short periods of use. At that moment we took a short break. I went out side got some fresh air and showed every one how far we were. The girl with us at around this time decided she did not want a brand.
When I came back Dave started to finish up. The tool still wanted to over heat so we would have to pause for a few moments. During this finishing up, I believe he had to replace the tip. This brand was sure taking a long time to do. During one of these pauses I found out this was his second largest brand. I was a bit bummed it wasn't his largest.
We finally finished up and Dave took some photos of my back, and of the past two brands he did. Since I was there quit a bit in the past he gave a good deal on the brand, I paid and tipped him and took off.
The pain level I expected wasn't as high as I though, it seemed more of an annoyance getting it done. But then again the pain was not over.
Over the next few days, the brand started scabbing over. My shoulder blade started to tighten immensely. It hurt to move it in any direction. I didn't tell many people cause I didn't want to complain. They all thought I was an idiot for getting the brand in the first place, I did not want too give them any more ammo. Sleeping on it was very difficult. I had to lie flat on my back. You don't realize how much that area moves. The worst part was if you move the wrong way, the scab would crack or split and that hurt like hell.
Part of Daves care instructions is to not pick the scab. This way a scar forms evenly. Well I had to do something for this brand, my shoulder hurt and itched like hell. After a week or two I started slowly removing parts of the scabs that were loose until I could finally move my shoulder in peace.
I learned a lot about myself on this brand, and love the results. I will only go to Dave at the Flesh Chamber for this body mod. He is the only guy in our state to go to the Fakir Musafar's school for branding. He is thee best!