The last posting of an Achilles piercing here on Modblog generated a number of whiny complaints about how unviable and dangerous it is from conservative piercers**. Now, my feeling is that in what I hope will always remain a rebel artform — rather than an “industry” — that there’s no space for conservatism (or whining), so with that in mind there’s a Mr. Tetanus interview pending.
Mr. Tetanus, a performance artist, wears a self-made 10mm spike through his ankle, behind the Achilles tendon, and has had it now for about twelve years. In the picture below you can see it now, as well as a photo looking through the hole and showing the displacement of the tendon. He doesn’t take it out much because the hole closes up within about a minute, and begins to reseal itself within half an hour.
He uses the piercing in performances, swinging bowling balls and other weights (another performance artist — “Angel” — has actually hung from meat-hooks worn in this piercing), so it can definitely take quite a bit of abuse without crippling him. That said, he emphasizes that he doesn’t recommend anyone else try this, and notes that even after twelve years it’s never truly healed (that said, it’s not as if tongue piercings ever “truly” heal for many people either) and in theory continues to put him at risk.
Risk, Schmisk!!! Anyway, I’ll post the full interview soon, but I couldn’t resist putting up a teaser and a photo of his remarkable ankle!
** Note: Since there are some serious comprehension issues with this entry getting people even whinier, let me be perfectly clear: I couldn’t care less if a piercer feels that they don’t want to do this, and personally I don’t think this should be offered on the walk-in public. Where I have a problem is if people say that no one should be doing or getting this modification (or other heavy mods). Body modification is where it is today because people informed themselves about the risks and tried new things, often with what seemed like serious dangers at the time — and when that ends, body modification begins to die.
Comments
560 responses to “Unlikely but True: Achilles Piercing”
134 – Shannon has said nothing regarding what a person can and cannot do. He clearly stated that if you do not support extreme mods, then you do not support what is BME. Sure you like to look at the tattoos so you can steal other peoples ideas but when it comes to seeing someone potentially damaging their body, LOOKOUT! THE WHAAAAMBULANCE IS ON THE WAY!
134 – Shannon has said nothing regarding what a person can and cannot do. He clearly stated that if you do not support extreme mods, then you do not support what is BME. Sure you like to look at the tattoos so you can steal other peoples ideas but when it comes to seeing someone potentially damaging their body, LOOKOUT! THE WHAAAAMBULANCE IS ON THE WAY!
i have a question….how was this done?!
seems a silly question but was it pierced at 14g or 12g and then stretched up or was it pierced at a much larger gauge?
cant wait for the interview.
i have a question….how was this done?!
seems a silly question but was it pierced at 14g or 12g and then stretched up or was it pierced at a much larger gauge?
cant wait for the interview.
“How presumptuous! I definitely don’t hate BME or the Modblog. What I do hate is the frivolous manner in which the safety of individuals is thrown out the door. I feel safety should be a #1 concern for the body modification community. I am saddened that it is not.
I don’t even hate extreme mods, which you’d know if you bothered to read my comments 🙂
I also don’t resort to unintelligent arguments, and pathetic swearing to get my point across, as you have done!”
This is exactly how I feel. Apart from the swearing part. Cunts.
“How presumptuous! I definitely don’t hate BME or the Modblog. What I do hate is the frivolous manner in which the safety of individuals is thrown out the door. I feel safety should be a #1 concern for the body modification community. I am saddened that it is not.
I don’t even hate extreme mods, which you’d know if you bothered to read my comments 🙂
I also don’t resort to unintelligent arguments, and pathetic swearing to get my point across, as you have done!”
This is exactly how I feel. Apart from the swearing part. Cunts.
paleblue,
STFU
paleblue,
STFU
#69
Paleblue,
You’re welcome.
Fapp.
if6was9 on February 9th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
hehe, #69, 6, 9, if6was9
#69
Paleblue,
You’re welcome.
Fapp.
if6was9 on February 9th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
hehe, #69, 6, 9, if6was9
if6was9: asl? cam? pics?
if6was9: asl? cam? pics?
It’s very rare I open my mouth and make a statement concerning the drama I see flying around here, but I’m going to now.
I am a conservative and whiney piercer. I have to say… I would NEVER endorse this type of piercing. I wouldn’t do it, nor would I encourage another piercer to do so.
When I look at the photos, I am amazed that this person has “healed” this. It’s astounding to me that an infection hasn’t set in, and that he hasn’t had to have some sort of tendon surgery for damage done to it. I’m impressed that it’s gone as far as it has.
but it’s a bad idea nonetheless, and saying things like “risks shmisks” is irresponsible given the current attitude of “bigger, more extreme, more intense” that is currently in vogue around this site.
I think what a lot of people forget is that the older conservative piercers helped build this industry, and this scene. We laid the foundation for a lot of what is done today. Of course, there were plenty of old underground cutters and heavy modders out there (anyone remember Phoenix?), but they haven’t really made as much of an apparent impact on the mainstream followers of “the scene” the way the piercers themselves did.
I just look at the current air here, and it bothers me. Do you think Jim Ward would do this type of piercing? How about Angel, or David Vidra?
Would you say that they are wrong for saying it’s a bad idea?
Do any of the people posting in here (save a few) even know who those people are?
It frustrates me to no end that there is so much infighting and animosity in this “family” these days.
It’s very rare I open my mouth and make a statement concerning the drama I see flying around here, but I’m going to now.
I am a conservative and whiney piercer. I have to say… I would NEVER endorse this type of piercing. I wouldn’t do it, nor would I encourage another piercer to do so.
When I look at the photos, I am amazed that this person has “healed” this. It’s astounding to me that an infection hasn’t set in, and that he hasn’t had to have some sort of tendon surgery for damage done to it. I’m impressed that it’s gone as far as it has.
but it’s a bad idea nonetheless, and saying things like “risks shmisks” is irresponsible given the current attitude of “bigger, more extreme, more intense” that is currently in vogue around this site.
I think what a lot of people forget is that the older conservative piercers helped build this industry, and this scene. We laid the foundation for a lot of what is done today. Of course, there were plenty of old underground cutters and heavy modders out there (anyone remember Phoenix?), but they haven’t really made as much of an apparent impact on the mainstream followers of “the scene” the way the piercers themselves did.
I just look at the current air here, and it bothers me. Do you think Jim Ward would do this type of piercing? How about Angel, or David Vidra?
Would you say that they are wrong for saying it’s a bad idea?
Do any of the people posting in here (save a few) even know who those people are?
It frustrates me to no end that there is so much infighting and animosity in this “family” these days.
iam, but you’re blocked.
For obvious reasons. 😉
iam, but you’re blocked.
For obvious reasons. 😉
IAM page bans, like pepper spray and restraining orders, are just anothing way of saying “I love you”. <3
IAM page bans, like pepper spray and restraining orders, are just anothing way of saying “I love you”. <3
Err, anothing? I meant another. Fuck’s sake.
Err, anothing? I meant another. Fuck’s sake.
Another member of the gliderettes you mean?
And a card carrying member of the snarky cunt forum, btw.
You’ve made your “point”, now STFU.
Another member of the gliderettes you mean?
And a card carrying member of the snarky cunt forum, btw.
You’ve made your “point”, now STFU.
alright I honestly read the majority of these posts, but gave up cuz I just got back from drinkin with Ferg…
all I can say is:…..”cant we all just….get along.”
Rodney King! Rodney King! Rodney King!
Please don’t beat me with night sticks mista po-po!
i honestly feel these types of bickering/bantering amongst each other is what is seriously tearing this community apart. because in reality where does it get us? Absolutely no where…
One side is saying piercers who disagree with this, are whiny and conservative…the other side says that they are simply saying that because they show a disinterest in the wellbeing of the client.
In the end, where does all this get us? Are we advancing our knowledge/abilities in terms of body modification? No, fighting gets us NOWHERE, except more fighting.
What we all need to do is…smoke a bowl…down a couple shots…find out chi/center…whatever….whatever we gotta do to calm the fuck down and lets honestly focus on being how we were circa a few years ago. a bit more calm, a bit more laid back, less in a rush to verbally bash people simply for disagreeing.
deep breaths people, everyone…serious…
as a piercer thought, what I’d like to point out is that I think what Mr.Tetanus has currently is vastly different to the 14ga barbell (which I’d assume, but might be wrong, was 316L stainless steel externally threaded)…I think with the large size Mr.Tetanus has it would definitely be a viable long term option…But with the smaller gauge sizes, not so much.
I’m ALWAYS down for pushing the boundaries/envelop…But what I’d LIKE to see happening nowadays is proper scientific experimentation, not just crossing our fingers and hoping. Nowadays piercers are much more educated then they were back in the day and because of that they should be into doing things via the scientific experiment method (proper tests cases and documentation,etc)…not just going ahead and doing things and relying on a whole lot of luck.
As for the whole argument situation, I’m staying clear away from this…as I’ve spent many years being gunho a fighter in the frontlines for quality and progression of knowledge…and all its given me is serious intestine pain, virtually no sleep and constant stress/worry…I’m surprised I’m not grey and or balding nowadays from everything….hence why I wish everyone would just take a chill pill and relax, because I can barely stand it anymore….I just miss the days of being able to be caring and passionate yet not letting things get to the point of all out war statements.
again I say…can’t we all just….get along.
alright I honestly read the majority of these posts, but gave up cuz I just got back from drinkin with Ferg…
all I can say is:…..”cant we all just….get along.”
Rodney King! Rodney King! Rodney King!
Please don’t beat me with night sticks mista po-po!
i honestly feel these types of bickering/bantering amongst each other is what is seriously tearing this community apart. because in reality where does it get us? Absolutely no where…
One side is saying piercers who disagree with this, are whiny and conservative…the other side says that they are simply saying that because they show a disinterest in the wellbeing of the client.
In the end, where does all this get us? Are we advancing our knowledge/abilities in terms of body modification? No, fighting gets us NOWHERE, except more fighting.
What we all need to do is…smoke a bowl…down a couple shots…find out chi/center…whatever….whatever we gotta do to calm the fuck down and lets honestly focus on being how we were circa a few years ago. a bit more calm, a bit more laid back, less in a rush to verbally bash people simply for disagreeing.
deep breaths people, everyone…serious…
as a piercer thought, what I’d like to point out is that I think what Mr.Tetanus has currently is vastly different to the 14ga barbell (which I’d assume, but might be wrong, was 316L stainless steel externally threaded)…I think with the large size Mr.Tetanus has it would definitely be a viable long term option…But with the smaller gauge sizes, not so much.
I’m ALWAYS down for pushing the boundaries/envelop…But what I’d LIKE to see happening nowadays is proper scientific experimentation, not just crossing our fingers and hoping. Nowadays piercers are much more educated then they were back in the day and because of that they should be into doing things via the scientific experiment method (proper tests cases and documentation,etc)…not just going ahead and doing things and relying on a whole lot of luck.
As for the whole argument situation, I’m staying clear away from this…as I’ve spent many years being gunho a fighter in the frontlines for quality and progression of knowledge…and all its given me is serious intestine pain, virtually no sleep and constant stress/worry…I’m surprised I’m not grey and or balding nowadays from everything….hence why I wish everyone would just take a chill pill and relax, because I can barely stand it anymore….I just miss the days of being able to be caring and passionate yet not letting things get to the point of all out war statements.
again I say…can’t we all just….get along.
No, I was correcting my typo in my previous comment. Interesting.
No, I was correcting my typo in my previous comment. Interesting.
Haha, like you have any friends Penny…
Haha, like you have any friends Penny…
I love this. I admire the dedication it took to keep this piercing healthy. It looks great!
I love this. I admire the dedication it took to keep this piercing healthy. It looks great!
I always find it surprising when people consider attacking or restricting someone else’s life a “right”. Rights extend only to ones own life, and they’re either complete, or they’re an illusion.
I also find it ridiculous that this post should be denounced on a safety/risk level. Safety, in my opinion, comes from an informed public. It does not come from a restricted public.
Meg – Those piercers you list broke plenty of boundaries. As conservative as they may seem NOW they were quite radical then.
But in terms of the modern piercing scene, it was defined/re-shaped by one piercer in my opinion — Jon Cobb. He almost single handedly transformed the piercing scene from the “15 basic piercings” to something much more vibrant… And he faced serious criticism and smear campaigns at the time (to some extent from the piercers you list incidentally) for doing it, even though he had a strong focus on health and safety and was very careful in what he did, even though he was pushing limits.
I always find it surprising when people consider attacking or restricting someone else’s life a “right”. Rights extend only to ones own life, and they’re either complete, or they’re an illusion.
I also find it ridiculous that this post should be denounced on a safety/risk level. Safety, in my opinion, comes from an informed public. It does not come from a restricted public.
Meg – Those piercers you list broke plenty of boundaries. As conservative as they may seem NOW they were quite radical then.
But in terms of the modern piercing scene, it was defined/re-shaped by one piercer in my opinion — Jon Cobb. He almost single handedly transformed the piercing scene from the “15 basic piercings” to something much more vibrant… And he faced serious criticism and smear campaigns at the time (to some extent from the piercers you list incidentally) for doing it, even though he had a strong focus on health and safety and was very careful in what he did, even though he was pushing limits.
Wow. That is absolutely amazing. Props to him for having the guts to go through with and keep it after 12 years.
Wow. That is absolutely amazing. Props to him for having the guts to go through with and keep it after 12 years.
hahaha warren. Let’s all go smoke a bowl……
i <3 everyone here. Let’s all just love…
hahaha warren. Let’s all go smoke a bowl……
i <3 everyone here. Let’s all just love…
i have looked at this almost hourly. everytime i am stunned. bme is the only thing that amazes me anymore.
i have looked at this almost hourly. everytime i am stunned. bme is the only thing that amazes me anymore.
Wow, this was truly sad to read. I made it through about eighty comments, but I genuinely cannot stand to read any more. Whiney. So what? It rings true for some commenters. Fact. Risks? It’s an industry and lifestyle riddled with risks. Some procedures higher, some lower [in terms of risks]. “Safety … #1 concern”? How does this affect your safety Dimruthien? There’s a disclaimer in the post, and then there is common sense. Of course you are taking a huge risk doing something like this. But this is a site documenting body mods, risky or not so risky. This is not a site documenting navel piercings and butterflies on shoulders. It never was, so why should it stop now?
Aggresiveness man.. damn..
Wow, this was truly sad to read. I made it through about eighty comments, but I genuinely cannot stand to read any more. Whiney. So what? It rings true for some commenters. Fact. Risks? It’s an industry and lifestyle riddled with risks. Some procedures higher, some lower [in terms of risks]. “Safety … #1 concern”? How does this affect your safety Dimruthien? There’s a disclaimer in the post, and then there is common sense. Of course you are taking a huge risk doing something like this. But this is a site documenting body mods, risky or not so risky. This is not a site documenting navel piercings and butterflies on shoulders. It never was, so why should it stop now?
Aggresiveness man.. damn..
that huge fucking spike has to be the coolest thing i’ve seen for a while! i wanna see his show so i can see this shit right in front of me! that would be intense!
that huge fucking spike has to be the coolest thing i’ve seen for a while! i wanna see his show so i can see this shit right in front of me! that would be intense!
oh nasty.
but im glad he did it.
oh nasty.
but im glad he did it.
Yes, I understand they were “radical” then.. but they certainly weren’t doing procedures that put clients at SERIOUS risk, and the things they did.. they were well thought out and planned, and a lot of homework was done prior to doing them.
I’m certainly not saying that whoever put a needle through this guys leg didn’t do his homework.. that person must have done at least basic reading to decide how to proceed..
What I am saying is that this type of thing gives people the idea that they might not need that homework.. that they might be able to just jump right in and do something similar.
And that is dangerous.
Yes, I agree that an informed public is more valuable than a restricted public, but I also can see where basic restrictions are important, and an essential part of society. A parent forbids their child from going near the stove because they could get hurt.. The child may not understand why initially, but over time, the restriction leads to information. I think that lofty ideals of a completely free society will get us no where.
As I stated earlier in a forum:
Yes, people have a right to do what they want to their bodies.
Yes, people have a right to express themselves as they wish.
I believe that wholeheartedly. I do not believe however, that if a piercer says that they aren’t comfortable doing a procedure, and they think it’s not a wise idea, that they be shat upon by their community.
If a client comes in and wants a surface piercing in a spot that just will NOT work out.. let’s say a cleavage piercing and a very well-endowed woman, and the piercer says it’s not wise, and they don’t feel comfortable doing it.. are they wrong? Is professional discretion a violation of that person’s rights to modify themselves?
Because in this industry, that piercer is applauded because they have the professional common sense to just say… NO.
I think that’s a big part of the problem now. Piercers (mostly the “new generation”) just don’t say NO often enough. They will turn down an un-pierce-able navel, but will put a spike through someone’s heel.
Yes, I understand they were “radical” then.. but they certainly weren’t doing procedures that put clients at SERIOUS risk, and the things they did.. they were well thought out and planned, and a lot of homework was done prior to doing them.
I’m certainly not saying that whoever put a needle through this guys leg didn’t do his homework.. that person must have done at least basic reading to decide how to proceed..
What I am saying is that this type of thing gives people the idea that they might not need that homework.. that they might be able to just jump right in and do something similar.
And that is dangerous.
Yes, I agree that an informed public is more valuable than a restricted public, but I also can see where basic restrictions are important, and an essential part of society. A parent forbids their child from going near the stove because they could get hurt.. The child may not understand why initially, but over time, the restriction leads to information. I think that lofty ideals of a completely free society will get us no where.
As I stated earlier in a forum:
Yes, people have a right to do what they want to their bodies.
Yes, people have a right to express themselves as they wish.
I believe that wholeheartedly. I do not believe however, that if a piercer says that they aren’t comfortable doing a procedure, and they think it’s not a wise idea, that they be shat upon by their community.
If a client comes in and wants a surface piercing in a spot that just will NOT work out.. let’s say a cleavage piercing and a very well-endowed woman, and the piercer says it’s not wise, and they don’t feel comfortable doing it.. are they wrong? Is professional discretion a violation of that person’s rights to modify themselves?
Because in this industry, that piercer is applauded because they have the professional common sense to just say… NO.
I think that’s a big part of the problem now. Piercers (mostly the “new generation”) just don’t say NO often enough. They will turn down an un-pierce-able navel, but will put a spike through someone’s heel.
I’ve been lurking here for 7 year and never once posted. I’m not into extreme modifications but I love seeing them. In the 7 years I have visited BME the philosophy espoused by Shannon has remained consistent, and I dig it. He’s got his own brand of politics for which I have the utmost respect. BME has been and continues to be, a guiding wisdom in the path to body modification, and I think the detractors here have missed the point.
Just my 2 cents.
I’ve been lurking here for 7 year and never once posted. I’m not into extreme modifications but I love seeing them. In the 7 years I have visited BME the philosophy espoused by Shannon has remained consistent, and I dig it. He’s got his own brand of politics for which I have the utmost respect. BME has been and continues to be, a guiding wisdom in the path to body modification, and I think the detractors here have missed the point.
Just my 2 cents.
“But in terms of the modern piercing scene, it was defined/re-shaped by one piercer in my opinion — Jon Cobb. He almost single handedly transformed the piercing scene from the “15 basic piercings” to something much more vibrant”
And it took a toll on his psyche that most piercers who idolize him will never fully understand. Watching people hurt scores of clients to be the ‘next Jon Cobb’.
I had a discussion with Jack Yount years and years ago while reading PFIQ at his house in Zephyrhills. I saw the Achilles tendon piercing for the first time and asked what he thought of it. Jack being sort of on the forefront of extreme procedures and all…
His opinion would have been considered that of a whiney piercer.
“But in terms of the modern piercing scene, it was defined/re-shaped by one piercer in my opinion — Jon Cobb. He almost single handedly transformed the piercing scene from the “15 basic piercings” to something much more vibrant”
And it took a toll on his psyche that most piercers who idolize him will never fully understand. Watching people hurt scores of clients to be the ‘next Jon Cobb’.
I had a discussion with Jack Yount years and years ago while reading PFIQ at his house in Zephyrhills. I saw the Achilles tendon piercing for the first time and asked what he thought of it. Jack being sort of on the forefront of extreme procedures and all…
His opinion would have been considered that of a whiney piercer.