Fetish Friday: Knife Play
‘Kink’ is used to describe socially deemed ‘unorthodox’ practises a person takes part in or is into. ‘Fetish’ refers to the object of their sexual fantasies, which can be a living being or an inanimate object. When looking at both definitions, they are often considered off-limits in prescribed societal norms.
Thankfully, our world has become increasingly sex-positive over the years, causing many fetishes and kinks to now be considered as ‘normal.’ That said, not every fetish (or fetishes) that a person has is understood, potentially because of varying subcultures often branching from a single kink or fetish. As a result, outsiders can be uncertain about what they entail.
We’ll be delving into the topic of knife play (in terms of BDSM edgeplay) today, to help remove misperceptions and reservations that you may have on the topic. We hope that it’ll give you a better idea of what it’s like to experience this kink, as well as what someone who takes part in it is into.
What is knife play?
A form of BDSM edgeplay, knife play involves using knives or other blades (for example, swords or daggers) for physical, mental, and overall sensual stimulation. In addition to being used to cut away clothes or run gently along the skin, folks may opt to use the blades for light scratches or cutting, not necessarily drawing blood from their sexual partner or themselves.
Common misconceptions
Despite using knives, the purpose of knife play isn’t always to cut the skin. While cutting and drawing blood may occur in some instances (after all, this can be a part of blood play), many people enjoy the fear of the risk. The physical sensations of having the blade on their skin (for example, the cool metal as a form of temperature play) or caressing the body’s erogenous zones can be highly sensual!
How to talk about it with your partner
If you’re interested in playing with knives with your partner, it’s essential to talk to them about your kink! Whether you desire to be the one holding the blade or the individual being explored, please keep in mind that — like any sexual act — clear and enthusiastic consent from everyone involved is critical before moving forward with experimentation. Discuss your intentions, how your partner can be involved in the process, and answer any questions or concerns they have truthfully.
Things to try
Knife play can be highly versatile, meaning that there are various things couples can try. Some ideas include carefully cutting away the clothing, using the blade to gently remove hardened wax after wax play, pressing the flat side of the blade against the skin to experience changes in temperature, and even lightly scraping the skin with the tip of the knife while your partner is blindfolded.
Are there risks to consider?
Because this form of erotic play involves the use of knives, there are risks to consider. Even if it is not your intention to cut into the skin and draw blood, keep a first aid kit nearby, as well as a phone to dial emergency services, in case anything goes wrong. The neck, upper half of the arm (including the armpit), wrists, groin, back of the knee, and Achilles tendon should be avoided altogether, even when using a dull blade.
How can I learn more?
Checking online forums and chat rooms for first-hand information and ideas on how to explore knife play further is a great place to start! You may also wish to consider contacting your local sex club or BDSM dungeon to see if they offer classes on safely engaging in this form of erotic play, giving greater confidence to both you and your partner when you experiment in the comfort of your own home.
We hope that with a fuller understanding of what knife play is, including what is involved in this kink, you’ll feel more confident exploring how you can enjoy it yourself or talk about it with others.
Should the topic come up in the future, we hope you will feel more open to speaking about it with a firm foundation of knowledge, free of judgement. Whether it’s an openness to further understanding the kink from someone who engages in it themselves or educating someone who may be closed off to the idea, we feel that we have done our job to help make the world a more sexually inclusive place.
Would you ever try this form of BDSM edgeplay? Are there any parts of knife play that you’re interested in? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
