What we used: Wartenberg pinwheel
From: Bondara
Price: £8.99
Material(s): Stainless steel

The Wartenberg pinwheel, while originally invented as a medical device for neurological use has become something of a BDSM staple over the years. So what does one feel like? Should you be afraid of those rather sharp looking spikes? Lizzie and Thomas find out.

 

First thoughts …

Lizzie
I’ve wanted to try a Wartenberg pinwheel for ages but, for various reasons, Thomas and I just never seemed to get around to purchasing one. As you’ve probably gathered from my previous toy reviews, I’m not averse to a bit of pain during sex but, on balance, my experience runs to impact and pressure toys (such as floggers, paddles and clamps), so anything sharp has the power to make me shiver a little.

This device takes its name from American neurologist, Robert Wartenberg, who designed it to test nerve reactions (sensitivity) in patients, but, per Jane’s introduction to this post, the wheel has become quite popular with those who enjoy BDSM. There are a few different Wartenberg designs out there but, in essence, they’re pretty much identical from a form and function perspective. You’re basically dealing with a wheel of sharp, metal spikes (attached to a handle) that rotates when it’s run over the skin.

Thomas
It looks like a cross between a medieval torture device and some kind of dentist’s tool. I keep having flashbacks Laurence Olivier in Marathon Man. It is surprising sharp – don’t drop it on you foot – but it is stainless steel, so can be hygienically cleaned. (That said, as it’s possible for this toy to break the skin, I would suggest it only be used on one person or be shared by monogamous couples.)

NB: I’m curious as to how effective the Wartenberg is for measuring nerve damage in a patient; in my experience, if you poke someone with something as sharp as this, you’re going to get a reaction. Possibly a black eye. Just saying.

 

The packaging …

Lizzie
Very simple. The Wartenberg pinwheel we ordered from Bondara arrived in a slim, plastic pouch, one side of which is see-through. No visible branding but it’s not a big or complicated toy (the pinwheel is only 7 inches in length) so it doesn’t really need anything fancy.

 

Using it …

Lizzie
As soon as the Wartenberg arrived, I got it out of the packet and started prodding the spikes with my fingers – there are 20 on the wheel in total – to see just how sharp they were. (Very, as it turns out.) I then ran it experimentally over the insides of my arms, at first lightly and then with a little more force. While I didn’t yelp at the feelings it generated, the pinwheel definitely had some bite; it left imprints on the skin when I applied it with what I would call an ‘average’ pressure and as it tracked across my arm, a prickling sensation lingered for a short time in its wake.

 

 

Our first ‘proper’ use of the Wartenberg wheel took place a day or so after its arrival. Thomas decided to use it on me as part of a sensation play session, combining the prickle of the Wartenberg with the much softer touch of an ostrich feather we keep in our toy box. In addition, he blindfolded me so that I was unable to tell which implement I’d be experiencing ahead of time. Needless to say, after being stroked with something very light and silky, the spikes of the Wartenberg wheel came as a massive shock, despite the fact that I knew Thomas was going to use it on me. There was much gripping of sheets (and maybe a stifled cry or two) as the wheel made its way over my back and bottom. Because even though I knew from playing with it myself that Thomas would have to press relatively firmly to break my skin, it felt like the spikes were going to do so at any moment. On more tender areas – the crease between the buttocks, for example – and skin sensitised through impact play (in addition to the ostrich feather, Thomas introduced our crop partway through our session), the Wartenberg’s power increased exponentially.

Bluntly, this is an evil, evil little toy – and I don’t mean that as a criticism. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I was really shocked by how much power such a small thing had over me. The sensations the Wartenberg pinwheel generated were incredibly intense and the threat of it breaking the skin felt very real when it was being run over me.

Thomas
I wasn’t too sure how to approach this one – as Lizzie mentioned, sharp toys are new for us – so I figured a mix of surprise and soft/hard would be the way to go.

Using the pinwheel certainly got quite a reaction from Lizzie (kinky tart), especially when mixed in with soft stroking and some spanking/cropping to sensitize the skin. Only light pressure is needed, unless of course you’re into more serious edge play, and you need to be careful where you use it (very sensitive areas need to be built up to). I found the best way was to run it around very slowly over well-spanked areas, but I am sure it will work well used anywhere your partner is sensitive.

 

The verdict? 

Lizzie
I actually find it quite hard to articulate my feelings about this particular toy as the sensations it generates are so unique. It plays a head-game with you because, mentally, you register its sharpness as a significant threat. And that’s its appeal; it has teeth (literally) and requires you to have total trust in your partner. A really great D/s toy that I would say is a toy box essential for those who enjoy sensation play. I like it a lot – but I’m also a bit scared of it!

Thomas
All I can say is I haven’t heard Lizzie moan like that in a while. It generated a remarkable level of moisture – which, obviously, told me that she found the effects of the Wartenberg pinwheel a real turn-on. A great toy for something so simple but I would use sparingly to keep it exciting.

 

In summary …

Things we liked:

• The sensation it generates. The prickling feeling as the pinwheel moves over the skin is very unusual.
• The size. A nice, small toy that can be stored easily.
• The reactions it induces. It’s very hard to be indifferent to those spikes!
• The mental stimulation the device induces. The Wartenberg pinwheel requires a level of trust between those using it. A great toy to bond with, especially if you enjoy D/s.

Things we weren’t so keen on:

• Could be very hard to explain at an airport customs (being metal and all).

 

Tickle you fancy? Click here to buy the Wartenberg wheel from Bondara.

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