Prickly Pleasure

If at first glance the Wartenberg Pinwheel reminds you of something you would find in a doctor's office, that's because it is. This toy was invented by Dr. Robert Wartenberg as a medical device used to test nerve sensitivity without damaging the skin. Since then, the wheel has become a popular sex toy, especially in the BDSM community, because of the range of sensations it can create.

The wheel is used by dragging it across the skin. You can press hard or lightly depending upon how much you want it to hurt. The sensation is similar to being cut, but the device does not actually draw blood (for most people). The Wartenberg wheel can be used by any experience level user, as the sensation one feels depends on how hard the wheel is pressed into the skin.

The entire product is made of metal and is about 7 inches long. The handle is very similar to that of a spoon, which makes the wheel feel somewhat familiar and easy to hold. The circular head of the tool fits into a slot at one end and has numerous thin, evenly spaced spikes. The points of the spikes are blunted so that they don't cut the skin.

Although, my wheel has not yet faced considerable use, its construction seems sturdy and I imagine it will last a long time.

The Wartenberg Wheel can be enjoyable for both beginners and advanced BDSM or sensation players. The intensity of the feeling all depends upon where on the body the wheel is being used and how hard it is being pressed into the skin. Beginners might be more comfortable sticking to less sensitive areas, such as arms and legs, whereas more experienced individuals might use the wheel on the stomach and breasts. This makes the toy highly versatile and able to meet the needs of most people.

Stainless steel is fairly easy to clean. You can use hot water and soap, an anti-bacterial toy cleaner, 10% bleach and water solution, your dishwasher, or boiling to keep your wheel germ-free. I would recommend making sure the toy dries completely after cleaning and before storing to avoid the chance of rusting.

The pinwheel is easily stored in the plastic pouch it comes in, which snugly fits the device and would prevent it from scratching or ripping anything it is stored alongside. Be sure to slide it back into the pouch very carefully, though, as the spikes are capable of ripping the plastic!

The Wartenberg Pinwheel comes packaged in a simple plastic sleeve with a black back and a clear front. There is a flap at the top that is held closed with a sticker. The plastic is sturdy enough that the original packaging can be used for long term storage if treated with care. There are no instructions included.

I have tagged the packaging as not discreet because of its clear front. The wheel is completely visible and might raise questions if seen. Most people might not immediately associate the toy with sex or BDSM, but its unique appearance might raise questions. If you are worried about discretion you might consider purchasing a different storage pouch that is not see-through.

When my Wartenberg Wheel arrived in the mail in a larger order from Eden, it is the first thing I fished around for and took out of the box. I took it out of its packaging and ran it extremely lightly across the top of my arm. When I only felt a very mild (but still somewhat sharp) sensation, I pressed harder and began to feel the cutting-like feeling for which this tool is famous. Curious to see if it actually prevented my skin from being cut open, I ran the wheel across the top of my arm again, this time pressing down as hard as I could. Although it hurt a lot and caused indentation marks, I could not get the toy to draw blood. (Please note that others report differently and that individuals with incredibly sensitive skin might be able to draw blood with this toy.)