I actually took a bare bum whacking with a rod-like instrument (not a rattan cane) which was stiff and perhaps more solid than a cane. Whether or not it was applied properly is doubtful. I do know I was left black and blue for about a week with the damage getting worse by the 3rd and 4th day after the whacking. It stung but no worse than a razor strop or solid hairbrush. What I did find unusual was the way it stung—contact made with no feeling initially, a second delay, and then a deep burn. Most unusual.
I do wonder what it would be like to feel the rattan school cane applied by someone who really knew what they were doing. But alas I don’t suspect that I will find too many retired school Headmasters in my neighborhood.