Knife play is considered an extreme form of BDSM. While spanking and bondage are fun and popular manifestations of kink, the risk in knife play—physically, in the power dynamics and the threshold of danger—amplify the kink. Knife kink is quite literally about courting the edge of the blade.
What is a Knife Play?
Wikipedia defines it this way: “Knife play is a form of consensual BDSM edgeplay involving knives, daggers, and swords as a source of physical and mental stimulation. Knives are typically used to cut away clothing, scratch the skin, remove wax after wax play, or simply provide sensual stimulation… Knife play is sometimes, but not always, a form of fear play.”
This isn’t entirely honest or accurate. A knife play kink can be about risk, fear, and sensual stimulation, but it often crosses that bridge into erotic cutting and blood play.
How can knife play be incorporated into BDSM?
Here are some ways that knives are used in BDSM practices: sensation play and stimulation; pressed to throat as a restraint on movement; role playing with villains or rape fantasies; cutting off clothing; props for visual or mental stimulation; power exchanges; erotic torture; penetration of skin; cutting; bloodletting; penetration of orifices (with blunt substitute or sheath in place).
Read: BDSM Play: The BIG List of BDSM Ideas
Who will enjoy knife play BDSM?
Knife play can be incredibly erotic because of how intense and real the danger is. For folks with a very dominant or very submissive streak, it is profoundly exciting. It can nurture and build trust, and take sadomasochists to their limits and beyond.
Needless to say, the risk of injury, infection, stabbing, and even accidental suicide or murder are high. Knife play is not safe sex. But here’s how to make it safer.
How to Knife Play Safely
Stick to partners you know and trust.
Knife torture is not something you want to experiment with in a hotel with a stranger while you’re on vacation in another country and no one knows where you are. That might be hot, but it’s not the right time or place.
Choose an experienced play partner.
A trained or professional BDSM practitioner is not a bad idea, but at least one of you should have experience and safety training. Knowing first aid is also a good idea.
Read: How to Find BDSM Partners Online
Wear thick gloves.
More likely than injury to the submissive is the knife holder slicing his or her hand. I am not kidding that a girlfriend sliced off the tip of her finger and had to have it sewn back on. Knives are often much sharper than they look, and the sharpest ones you barely feel the cut until you see the blood.
Abstain from alcohol or drugs before or during knife play.
The knife holder needs to have a steady hand and all their faculties in place. The submissive or receiver needs to be clear headed and not too relaxed or hyped up. Alcohol will make you bleed more if you’re being cut, on purpose or accidentally.
Remember that blood accelerates the risk of infection.
Blood carries diseases like HIV, and open wounds, however small, are welcome mats for infections to enter the body. Gloves are a good idea. Clean any resulting cuts with running water for five minutes, then soap and water. Avoid getting a partner’s blood near your genitals, face, or hands.
Read: Blood Fetish and Blood Play
Sterilize knives and other paraphernalia before BDSM knife play.
Even if you’re not intending to break the skin, in case you do, it’s best not to have germs on the blade. Sanitizing hands, flesh, handle, and other equipment makes good sense.
Ask for help when needed, without hesitation.
If something goes wrong, never hesitate to act fast, whether you need a doctor or police. Don’t wait to see “how it goes” if you’re trying to stop bleeding. Call 911.
Do you have a knife play kink? Please share your experience or tips in the comments.
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