While examining a myriad of feathers and ticklers, things that suck (literally) and things that go SMACK! I came across this inauspicious device. My doctor has never used one, but I recognized it as something that often rode shotgun with a reflex hammer in the doctor's bag. Despite its sinister appearance, the wheel has a benign origin. It was created by an American neurologist, Dr. Robert Wartenberg, to test nerve reactions or skin sensitivity. (I wonder if he ever imagined it would become a popular sex toy?) I am not a medical fetishist in any way, but this appealed to my desire for variety in sensory play.

Currently Eden Fantasys offers two versions. I opted for this one because I like all-metal as opposed to a plastic/metal combination. I wish I could say precisely what metal it's made of, but the listing on this site is non-specific and the manufacturer, The Stockroom, doesn't mention the material at all on their site. Whatever the pinwheel is made from, it's relatively weighty, highly reflective, and has a high-end appeal. Just be sure to dry it after use to keep it in good condition.

The packaging of the Wartenberg is near non-existent. Think Ziploc bag. Actually, think no-frills, knock-off ziploc bag. I know it's a small, inexpensive plaything but they ought to be embarrassed about how little thought went into presentation. No insert, no text, il n'y a rien, and plastic so thin that the pinwheel tore holes in it by the time it arrived.

Low-end packaging (tossed) aside, the pinwheel is a thing of prickly beauty and I was eager to give it a whirl. Since the points had torn little holes in the plastic bag and according to forum posts at least one member of the EF community has drawn blood using it, I thought it prudent to try it on myself before introducing it to my husband. Even with strong pressure, it didn't break skin, just left a little line of indentations. I also noticed that some pins were pointier than others. I don't know if this is an intentional part of the design, but the variation definitely heightens the fun in my opinion.

The pinwheel measures about 1¼" tip-to-tip and makes a tiny noise as it wobbles a bit when you roll it. It's held in place by a single screw sans washer, so I don't think tightening it further is possible. The overall length is just shy of 7" and there is a slight bend to the neck (which I would guess is for comfort). The last 3" of the handle is flat and ribbed which prevent it from slipping.

While the Wartenberg wheel does not require lube, it's likely to pick up sweat and should be wiped down after use. Be very careful about sharing it since the spikes have the potential to break skin and/or draw blood. The Stockroom dropped the ball on documentation for it, however very similar products on their website have the following blurb:

"Please sterilize carefully after each use. Wash with antibacterial soap and warm water or use a disinfectant to clean properly."

Can you hurt someone with it? I don't imagine so, unless you throw it at them or accidentally poke them in the eye... actually, on that note, you might want to stay away from the face for safety. You can use the Wartenberg everywhere else - provided you have the tolerance.

Simple, straightforward... and SO NOT my husband's favorite for use on him. Light pressure elicited "that's annoying," and medium pressure got an "ow! ow! ow!" After removing his blindfold and examining the pinwheel, he declared it "scary" and gave me an accusing look. There was a discussion - during which the terms 'sadist' and 'scaredy-cat' were lovingly lobbed - and then I let him try it on me. He liked wielding the Wartenberg far better than being at its mercy, probably because I find the sensation mostly ticklish. Mostly. ;)