The Leatherman's Protocol Handbook: A Handbook on "Old Guard" Rituals, Traditions and Protocols

by John D. Weal

The Leatherman's Protocol Handbook is not only about some of my personal journey since 1968, when I was collared to Master in "Old Guard" days, but also the changes that have occurred through the decades since then. A lot of our "Old Guard" leather history is documented in this book. It contains the protocols, positions, hand signals, and defines the differences between rituals, etiquette, and protocols. Included in the book are copies of ceremonies such as the gauntlet ceremony, various collaring ceremonies and the ultimate cover ceremony of Jeffrey Alan Payne, IML 2009. This book is not meant to be the bible of protocols but the documented history of my life with the "Old Guard" protocols that I personally can attest to through my journey. It will define the various leather titles and how they were achieved during those early days in "Old Guard." Much of this book has never been written about but only talked and fantasized about. Now, here is the documentation of what I lived for all to learn from. It tells of the hierarchy that once existed among the leather organizations. I discuss how to train a boy and how the "Old Guard" shows respect even to today's title holders and events. It also explains many of the military to leather protocols and compares them so all can understand how and why they existed. Since those early days of leather many things have changed. We lost so much of our history due to the HIV, HEP C and the Crystal Meth eras. For the first time we now have it all in one place with references to those early days by someone who has survived to write about it. Learn the three "S"s of leather life and watch how it will change your life forever!

Genres: BDSM, Reference

168 pages, Paperback

First published July 20, 2010

Reviews

[Riley · Rating 1 out of 5]

While this book can be a bare-bones understanding of some protocols for the uninitiated, one can get similar results with Emily Post's Etiquette.

The remainder of this book is made up, quite literally of the author's unverifiable accounts and misrepresentations, many of which have been debunked.

If you're interested in the debunking issue, check out reviews on Amazon or google it.

If you're interested reading leather as it has been really lived, read Geoff Mains, Mark Thompson, and the work of Gayle Rubin.

[JR · Rating 4 out of 5]

has a little of everything and points out a lot of the "old guard" rituals that are not seen too often. probably not for everyone unless this was your "life" or needed references on traditions, customs, etiquette, etc. of leathermen and how it is practiced.

[Terri]

Not sure what i can say bout this one. Not very impressed.

[Titan Dog · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another set-text in my collar consideration training, this handbook provides an interesting companion piece to The leatherboy Handbook by Vince L. Andrews, which i read not long prior to this book.

Acting as a partial autobiography, this book provides lived experiences as vital context for a number of key protocols, including physical positioning of subs when in service, different acts of service and levels of protocol, the historical relevance of different types and configurations of gear, and a more in-depth look at the ceremonial aspect of Gay Leather Culture, alongside the historical origins of these activities and traditions.

This context and detail can be very interesting, and complements the more extensive, practical information well. From this book, i have learned of a number of forms of protocol that i intend to address with my BOSS, with the hopes of integrating them into my service to Him. In particular, there is a large emphasis placed on the levels of high and low protocol, and where activities fit into this structure. i intend to learn more about these as part of my continued growth.

The exhaustive list of potential ceremonies for collaring and titling are interesting - and quite hot! However, they also provide a key example of this book's main flaws: repetition and poor writing. Due to a clear lack of editing, this books repeats information ad nauseum. Sections of this book, in particular those toward the end, are borderline incomprehensible. The prose stumbles over itself, repeating sections (both intentionally and unintentionally) and at times devolving into a lack of clear meaning. This by no means meant as an insult to the author, whom i have great respect for as an experienced Master.

Nonetheless, this book would benefit enormously from an editor's contribution in a 2nd edition. What has the potential to be a very engaging read becomes really quite difficult to take in, and the valuable and meaninful content is somewhat lost.

[Larry C · Rating 1 out of 5]

It’s fake, plagiarized, and repetitive. Can’t believe I wasted time reading most of this.

https://leatherati.com/a-response-to-...