Let me note that these sashes are designed to accomplish two things. They provide a very sensual feeling of restraint and a lot of visual appeal. The sashes perform extremely well at both of these goals, but (as you might have guessed) heavy bondage implements they are not. That said, this product is particularly suited to those to whom the very concept of bondage is new, or those who wish to experience the smooth, slippery feeling of genuine silk bindings. Beginners will love it, and even bondage-experienced couples will find the sensation quite novel. If you are willing to invest in an admittedly expensive product, the quality will not disappoint.

As far as use goes, be aware that silk tends to slip more easily than hemp or nylon rope, and at more than four inches across, they do have to compress in order to knot properly. As a bondage/domination-intrigued but not sadist/masochist couple, we were happy to discover that the width can be very pleasant for a partner who enjoys restraint without undue pain, and the sensory benefits of the silk are only heightened by the surface area. There's room to resist, though this product hardly seems fit for heavy bondage, suspension, or complex decoration.

Upon receiving the product in the mail, you'll find yourself in possession of two simple sashes in the color of your choice, with a diagonal taper on each short end. We chose the deep red, but skin tones and other toys might influence your choice here. The stitching along the sides is a single border, in the same color as the sashes themselves, but we have not used them long enough - or to a rough enough extent - to know whether this seam will stand up to abuse. If it doesn't, it seems relatively easy to fix with a bit of sewing experience. The material is top-notch and probably won't be the first thing to go. This is not a satin-type imitation we're talking about, and as a result the texture does not feel artificial. Vegans and activists should keep in mind that silk is a natural derivative - if your lifestyle involves eschewing animal products, seek an alternative.

Size-wise? Seven feet of silk sounds like a lot, but you might want to look elsewhere if you're planning on a complex shibari harness. One sash works for two wrists and an anchor, but that's about it. The Liberator Store offers a longer, fourteen-foot sash for those desperately seeking more material to work with, and it also features a professional-quality demonstration video.

When we tested these sashes, we found them remarkably versatile. One sash is more than enough to both form a blindfold and tie hair back with a bow. The other can be used to restrain two wrists and attach them to something stationary, though there's not much slack left. To give some idea of the capacity of this product, makeshift silk lingerie can be constructed from a single seven foot sash, but a shibari harness cannot.

Silk is a very strong material, and the diagonal grain means that a few tugs on the sash - no matter how you set it up - will be relatively harmless to the product. Boy Scouts will benefit here, as some knowledge of proper knots will be required for safety and comfort. If you're new, as many comfort-oriented buyers will be, we recommend a thorough study of the bowline, a knot that will not slip. Twisted Monk has a fine collection of rope tutorials, and with a little modification, these tips lend themselves readily to sash play. Experienced bondage practitioners will have no trouble making use of these. They are not designed for very heavy bondage or suspension, and we will not be testing them for either purpose.

Silk is weakened by exposure to sunlight, sweat, heat, and occasional consequences of use. Since dry cleaning may not be an option (though they are remarkably discreet, and could probably be passed off as clothing accessories), you may hand wash them in cold water and towel dry. Ironing, in our experience, isn't necessary and will only damage the material. Store in a cool, closed container.

The sashes arrive in a triangular Liberator Black Label plastic container. The photograph on the front is classy and artistic, and looks like this. It is not the professional packaging pictured here, so if you are expecting to present them in a fancy black gift wrapping, you may be unpleasantly surprised. However, it's also not shameless novelty packaging, a gesture we both appreciated.

Restraint is sexy - and silk proves that an exchange of power can be as comfortable as you and your partner desire. There's no reason why BDSM and general kink should always be associated with pain, and if both of you are ready for this, two silk sashes will go a long way towards providing something which some might consider quite elusive - the experience of bondage without a shred of discomfort or intimidation. As for couples who enjoy nude photography, or just looking at one another? I suspect you are in for a treat here.