Well, that's exactly why the Shinai is held together by the heavy string/rope, is to avoid the tearing of flesh during practice, but I think it was Singapore that gave the hoodlum American they had there about ten years ago that they gave 5 or 6 slashes to, I think they used a Shinai for that punishment. I think hoodlum was cuaght spraying graffiti or something similar. I agreed and I agree with that punishment for those types of crimes. Some of the young, think they know everything types might learn to respect authority again here in this country.
The single split cane you mention sounds like a tool we use to hit with different parts of the hand and shin to toughen them up and eventually build calluses on.