Ah, the Wartenberg wheel. Such a tiny thing, with so many possibilities. I wonder if Dr. Robert Wartenberg knew what use we would put it to when he invented it?

The Wartenberg wheel was first designed for neurological use, to test nerve reactions. Made of stainless steel, with radiating tiny points on a central moving disc, it is often confused among those new to kink with a tracing wheel. The Wartenberg wheel has tiny sharp points, rather than the smooth or serrated edge of a tracing wheel. This instrument was actually designed for use on skin, which makes it much safer in the bedroom than many other pervert-ables.

Mine came with a small leather pouch that snaps closed at the top. This is a nice touch, as it makes storage much simpler, and sexier. The feel of the wheel is pleasing. About 7 inches long overall, the handle has a nice weight without being overly hefty- similar in feel to a table knife. Since it is stainless steel, it is fairly easy to sanitize it as well; a big plus for those of us on the safer sex bandwagon. I've run mine through the dishwasher, and then pulled it promptly to air dry, and never had a problem with rust or spotting.

What I love about it is the versatility. Run lightly over the skin, it prickles in an almost irritating way. Run more harshly, it feels a bit more frightening. Roll it, even lightly, over freshly impact-welted flesh, and the recipient will swear you're slicing them open with a hot knife. Tapped gently on sensitive bits it is a scary sort of wonderful that builds and builds while you are afraid to move until...

Such a tiny thing. So many possibilities.

Many of the toys we fill our party bags with can be duplicated; scarves and belts for bondage, half your kitchen for impact play, the craft cabinet yields numerous sensation play possibilities, panties make good gags, pillow cases are hoods, and the pet section has collars aplenty. The Wartenberg wheel, while clearly not innocent to anyone looking at it, is a worthwhile investment. That silver gleam of steel gets the heart racing, and it just *looks* nefarious. If you only invest in one bdsm specific toy when you begin your kinky exploration, it should be this one.