From him: This is a Wartenberg pinwheel, and one of the first things you should know is this isn't necessarily a sex toy. I've heard of it being used in all sorts of things, from the medical profession for testing nerve damage, to sewing, where it's used for pattern tracing and the like.

This is a full metal implement that features a rotating wheel at the end of a contoured handle. Covering the wheel are numerous spikes, which end in fairly sharp points. Because it's metal, you're able to clean it easily, even throw it in the dishwasher along with the forks and spoons if you feel like it. Boil it if you're looking for a sterile utensil as well.

These radial spikes are pretty amazing when you're doing sensation play, and you are able to elicit so many different feelings just depending on how hard you push. A note to the users, rather than subjects, you'll want to test it out on yourself first, because as sharp as these are, you're able to easily pierce the skin of your playmate. While this might indeed be desired, it's probably not something you want done accidentally, so as always, stay safe. As always, when blood comes into play, you need to be careful, as you've technically just created a bio-waste hazard, so always keep this tool clean.

The points, due to their sharpness, can be delicate, so take care when storing this tool. Keep it away from soft toys that could have their outer surface damaged by punctures, which could lead to pockets that are hard or impossible to clean, and that could mean funky smells, discoloration, or degradation of the product. The wheel itself can also be damaged, if the spikes meet something harder than themselves, and bend the sharp spine points, reducing the sensation and compromising the rotation of the wheel.

From her: This implement is ideal for those looking to ease into the heavier side of sensation play. It's more versatile in terms of sensations evoked than, say, a feather, but doesn't entail the same degree of risk as does a sharper tool such as an X-acto, and it's simpler to operate than a TENS unit. I would recommend not only trying it out on yourself, but familiarizing yourself extensively with it - while watching TV works well - to the point where you are as comfortable with it as you might be with a pair of scissors. In doing so, you will gain not only the confidence of your partner with whom you wish to use this object, since it can otherwise be an intimidating implement visually, but you will also have a more intimate idea of exactly how best to use this tool.

From him: She and I use this tool when we're doing sensation play, and lightly running it over my skin when we're in the middle of it has me curling and twisting, wanting more. You can ramp up the intensity by pressing harder, get some really nice patterns dotted onto the skin. The smoothness of the wheel is a great boon when you're running it along the thin, sensitive skin of those intimate areas, or just using it to trace the lines of the body.

From her: This is a standard piece of equipment in most toyboxes with BDSM inclinations, and certainly one of my staple tools. Please note that when running this tool over areas of skin with any irregularity to their texture (i.e., skin that is gathered or bunched, such as heavily stretch-marked areas, the skin on one's elbows when the arms are extended, the scrotum, etc.) the wheel can easily get caught, especially if any pressure is being applied. Therefore it is useful to either use one hand to smooth this skin out, to ensure safe passage of the wheel, or to be alert and ready to lift the wheel if it does get hung up. You can also re-arrange your partner for optimal "smoothness" over the areas which you wish to stimulate - by having them arch their back, for example.

If it is possible I have found that I like it even more at this point. Still sharp, still wheels, and still makes me squirm in all the right ways.