The Wartenberg Pinwheel was originally designed as an instrument to perform neurological exams by testing sensory perception. However, I suspect that of all the pinwheels in use today, only a very small percentage can be found in medical facilities, and with good reason. The pinwheel is a versatile sex toy that can stand on its own, or be combined with other toys. It can be enjoyed by BDSM enthusiasts, medical scenes, and anyone who wants to add a novel sensation into their love play.

The wheel is great for users of any level of experience. It all depends on how much pressure you apply, how fast you move the wheel, and what part of the body you use it on. Running the wheel across the skin elicits a pricking sensation that disappears quickly after removing pressure.

Combining the wheel with other toys really enhances the experience. A blindfold and restraints work great to create a sense of anticipation, and since steel holds temperature well, the toy can also be chilled or warmed for extra effect.

The Wartenberg Pinwheel is made of stainless steel, and the weight feels nice in the hand. It is solidly constructed and feels very sturdy. As there is only one moving part and the handle is one solid piece of steel, it will probably last most users for years. The center of balance is just in front of the textured handle, making it slightly forward balanced, which is where it should be for an instrument such as this.

Protruding out from the wheel are about twenty spikes that are about twice as thick as a thumb tack point. A screw runs through the center of the wheel and attaches it to the handle. It can be tightened with a small screwdriver should it become loosened from repeated use.

The design of the instrument has several subtle characteristics that enhance it's use as a sensory toy. The textured handle helps to ensure a good grip. The handle tapers and is thinner and sloped towards the wheel, allowing the user to "choke up" on it by grasping the handle closer to the wheel. This allows for more precise application of pressure and better control. The wheel itself has some play to it, which allows the user to more easily make angles and turns while running the spikes across the skin.

The wheel spins effortlessly, and will not stick when being used due to the amount of play that is in it. It is a very easy toy to use, and no other toy I own can create the unique sensations produced by this one.

I've heard several reports that the Wartenberg is not sharp enough to draw blood. That has not been my experience with it, though. Depending on the amount of force used, and with either a raking or striking motion, it can be a useful toy for those who enjoy blood play.

Under light to moderate pressure, though, I have found that there is little chance of causing bleeding. The spiked tips feel quite soothing when traced lightly across the body, and firm pressure brings the senses to keen attention.

Stainless steel is easy to clean. It can be sterilized using a 1:10 solution of bleach and water, or boiling for three minutes. Of course, routine cleaning can be accomplished with antibacterial hand soap and water. Stainless steel by definition stains less, but it still stains. All metal will eventually rust. If you'd like to keep your Wartenberg looking sharp for years to come, I'd recommend applying a light coat of metal protectant spray prior to long term storage.

I store this toy away from all of my other toys due to the possibility of the pins damaging one of my silicone toys, or scratching one of my glass ones. I generally keep it in a plastic shoe box with my other steel medical toys.

The toy came in an indiscreet clear plastic sleeve that I wouldn't recommend storing the toy in unless there are no other toys near it that could be damaged by the pins. There were no instructions included in the packaging.

We use this toy fairly often, and despite it's simplicity the Wartenberg has proved to be quite versatile. It looks great as part of an exam table layout during a medical scene, and it works very well as a bridge when we're moving from light to hard discipline. It's an excellent warm up toy as it gets the body's sensory receptors in gear, and feels wonderful as a cool down toy when used very lightly. Most frequently, though, we use this toy while I'm restrained and blindfolded. The feeling of the cold steel spikes running across the skin while not knowing how hard or where it will run next is euphoric.