Silicone Dildo Making: Balancing Firmness and Function

Silicone dildos are really popular because they are safe, versatile, and feel realistic. At John Thomas Toys we make a range of dildos for different purposes.

Butt Plugs v Stretchers

We have a wide range in both Butt Plugs and Stretchers with some models capable of crossing over into both categories. In the small sizes - we gave you a great detailed journey in all our Butt Plugs in a prevous blog. And as a Butt Plug, the design is such that you would be able to 'hold' it in place should you wish to. However, in the Large and X Large - some Butt Plugs are better as stretchers, such as the Calamari Bliss! But this depends on the user.

Butt Plugs will taper in towards the bottom, whereas Stretchers will follow a consistent taper out towards the bottom allowing the user to stop at any moment avoiding any discomfort.

Depth Trainers: This is a slightly different journey and requires patience and care. We have a number of products that are ideal for this and everyone has something different to offer. The Gooseneck gets great reviews with some customer sending us a personal message of thanks for designing such a toy. Sometimes the most simple of designs offer the greatest reward.

Shaping: When we look at the shape of a new design we are conscious of these separate uses and whether this model is going to suit just one or both. Some will have a consistent taper, some will give lumps and bumps giving the user the ability to know where they are with it - even if blindfolded - feeling each ridge and return.

Texture: We will then look at the texture - are we aiming for a completely smooth texture (Bob's Builder), some bumps which will give the user an extra layer of sensations (Mr Michelin) or are looking for texture all the way (Cephalapods Revenge).

Depending on the complexity of design we may have different types of moulds to create these beasts with. Open Moulds: For basic shapes. Two-Part Moulds: For more detailed designs with features like ridges.

John Thomas Toys use copper moulds only to produce ultra high quality, detailed dildos - unlike many of our competitors who use cheap silicone mouldings. The copper moulding helps give our products their smooth texture and intricate detailing.

Firmness: The firmness of the dildo is a completely personal thing. There are manufacturers who's products are very hard - but still made of Medial Grade Silicone. Silicone comes in different firmness's which are rated on a system called the SHORE RATING. Whilst there are lots of levels above 10 which range for hard to rigid or even indestructible - all our products are under 10 and will have what we fondly call here at John Thomas the 'Squidge Rating'.

We have a couple of products in SUPER SOFT which is a Shore Rating of SR00 - this is because of the thickness of the product (a thicker product has less 'squidge' than another thinner product made for the same SHORE. Most of our products are available in SHORE SR02 or SR05, the SR02 is our Soft firmness and SR05 is our Medium firmness. We offer all our products in two different firmness's to give our customers more choice.

Personal Taste: Ultimately, the best firmness choice often depends on individual preference. Some users like a firmer dildo for more intense sensations, while others prefer a softer one for comfort. John Thomas sell our products in Soft and Medium, but the feel of this can vary from one design to the next simply down to the shape - so a medium firmness can feel softer in a thinner design than a thicker design.