This is a toy made meant for sensory play. This was actually first used as a medical device, which would make it great for medical play. According to Wikipedia: "It was originally designed by Robert Wartenberg to test nerve reactions (sensitivity) as it rolled systematically across the skin. A Wartenberg wheel is generally made of stainless steel with a handle of approximately seven inches in length. The wheel, which has evenly-spaced radiating sharp pins, rotates as it is rolled across the flesh. A disposable plastic version is available. Because of hygienic concerns, these devices are hardly used any more." It was designed to test nerve reactions as it glides across the skin, so as a sex toy, it is used as sensory play. It makes a great BDSM device, and depending on how much pressure is applied, this can give you a tingly sensation, or make it feel as though you are being cut. It could be used solo, but it is great for couples. This could be used for CBT, as well. This is ideal for sensory play, add a blindfold and take it to another level. Also, this could be warmed with hot water, or put in a freeze, to add an element of temperature play. You could bring this with you anywhere, it's fairly small and compact. Although it looks like a torture device, so whether or not it's travel friendly depends on you and your situation.

This is very simple in it's design. A wheel, with a few dozen 1/4" or so spikes on it. The spikes ARE pointy and fairly sharp, so you will want to keep that in mind. The handle is almost 7" long, it is slim and easy to hold. This is very hand-held, and there is no real need for instructions. It is all made of the same material, all metal, which is nice. This does not have a leather case or anything, so it is vegan-friendly.

The wheel does not squeak when it turns. Sometimes it makes a bit of a jingly sound when being used, but nothing loud or noticeable outside of a room. There are no measurements that you need to take, no need to adjust anything. You can use it right out of the box, and you kind of make up the rules for it as you go: how much pressure, where to use it, etc. Depending on what you do with it, it can change the sensation of it completely.

This is very, very easy to use. You just take it out and roll it across whatever you'd like. Depending on how much pressure you apply while rolling it, it changes the sensation. Also, if you apply a certain amount of pressure, you can draw blood with this toy. Don't let that put you off completely! When using this you are in total control of whether or not you want to draw blood, I don't see that happening accidentally. I've used this on myself, and when pressed hard enough, the spikes leave a trail of little pin-dots on the skin. They go away within 10 minutes or so, but you might want to keep that in mind when using this.

The fact that it looks intimidating is both a pro and a con. In my case, my partner has never really been interested in using it. When he initially saw it, he thought it looked scary. When I explained the use of it, and the history behind it, he still didn't seem interested in using it. I have had it for almost a year now, and he has still never wanted to use it, on me or himself. He is not really into BDSM though, and I am and had been very into it it previously, but do not get to do much in the way of BDSM since we've been together.

I have, however, found a use for this; even if he doesn't seem to want to play with it at all. I occasionally work on a webcam site, as a femdom. This item really has a fetish look to it, and really seems to get some of the slaves going. Some of them are new to BDSM and have never seen one or heard of it, but they find it totally appealing. Visually, in that way, the intimidation factor is a bonus. This thing looks ominous, and even though these subs are online and not in person - so the element of sensory play is gone - this is still useful as a BDSM device. Though, because of the look of it, it is not exactly discreet. Most people see this and they're going to ask a lot of questions.

This is pretty easy to clean. You could use a damp cloth, some alcohol or peroxide to sterilize it, and wipe it down. I'm not sure about whether this would rust or not, but I wouldn't want to just leave it wet, just because this would be gross and potentially dangerous if it got rusted. I'd say to make sure to dry it off, or at the very least, make sure it's not soaked and let it air dry.

Storage could be tricky, as I mention when talking about the packaging. However, you could wrap this in fabric and put it away your toys, or wherever you want to keep it. If you have some kind of small pouch (pencil case, cosmetic bag, etc.), that would work nicely for storage.

When I got this, it came in a long, this plastic baggy that sealed shut on the end. It was just slightly wider than the device itself, and about as long. It seemed like it might work for storage, but it did not. The issue with this baggy was that it was plastic, and these pins are quite pointy and sharp. Inevitably, the little pins poked holes in the bag, and then it got snagged and tore. It didn't hold up for very long. I see that there is a newer one available on the site that does come with a leather sheath. I try to avoid leather, but I do wish that this one came with some sort of sturdier thing to keep it stored in.

This is great for anyone who is into BDSM, I think. I think it is totally safe for beginners, as long as they know their own and their partners limits (which is the case for ANY BDSM play). If you are new to BDSM but interested in trying this, I say why not give it a shot. It's not that expensive, and you have nothing to lose really. If you are too intimidated by the spikiness of this one, then EF does carry one that looks to have dull rounded edges. I would recommend that if this one is a bit too scary for you.

I have had this for about a year now, and I have had no trouble with it. Though I will advise you, this could snag fabrics! Don't go wearing your favorite piece of delicate lingerie, and end up having your partner snag it on the spikes. Also, don't leave it somewhere where it could be a problem. I mean, like don't leave it in your bed so it ends up lost in the sheets. Nobody wants to roll over onto a set of spikes, and nobody wants their sheets to get accidentally torn.