Knife Play by Mephistopheles First, here are a few misconceptions related to knife play that I would like dispel from the outset. The first deals with the "depth" of the cutting. In S&M the goal of the Top in all cases, is to inflict a maximum or desired level of sensation, WITHOUT disfiguring the physique of the bottom. Knife play is therefore about 75% "touching, scraping and rubbing" and about 25% actual cutting. The second popular misconception, is that a knife has but one use, but one sensation that it can produce, and is therefore of limited use to the SM devotee. Knives have a cutting edge of course, but also have sides, points, handles and since they are made of metal, can be refrigerated or heated as the Top may decide. A third erroneous view involves the concept of actual blood letting. True, there may well be some, but this is absolutely unnecessary if undesired. Finally, the fourth most popular misconception involves the idea that to play with knives means to scar by necessity, and that scars, permanent lasting scars are the name of the game. My current partner and I have played in this manner on many occasions, and she has not ONE permanent scar on her body. Having gotten that out of the way, let's begin: Knives are dangerous things. They have been used to kill and maim for thousands of years. Of concern to the Top, should be the fact that unless they are cared for VERY well, are sharp and are above all CLEAN, knives can well incur their traditional penalties. There are a few rules related to knife play. Buy quality equipment. You are looking for carbon steel blades, the finest quality you can find. You want a keen, smooth UNSERRATED edge. You want to keep this edge razor sharp, or rather dull. Either or, as befits your level of experience. The most dangerous knives are those that are a "little" sharp. These are unpredictable. They cut sometimes, but not others, depending on the texture of the skin. Sharp always cuts. Dull never will. Choose either and be sure of the situation. Keep the knives you choose WELL. That means, use them for no other purpose. Keep them in a fine state of repair. A knife that is chipped or knicked or has a loose handle, is absolutely ready for the garbage can., or non-S&M related uses. Keep your tools clean. Always use "hospital sterile technique". Wash the knife blade and handle in denatured alcohol, or with a sterilizing soap of the sort surgeons use to scrub up with. "Liquid germicidal soap" works well here, but I still prefer alcohol. It kills bugs dead. Have your submissive/slave take a shower before beginning. Wash your hands as well. BE SURE TO WEAR LATEX RUBBER SURGICAL GLOVES. Aids is transmitted very nicely through the blood. So are a host of other ailments. Go slow. Take your time. Make slow distinctive movements. Never vary the speed unless you have a few years of experience under your belt. Nothing above the shoulders. Eyes and facial nerves are impossible to repair if cut or gouged. Buying a knife The purchase of a blade, to be used in S&M play bears a deal of consideration. Visit a knife shop, and have a look at what they have on display. For your first blade, I would strongly suggest that you stay well away from all the fancy "fantasy" blades that they have on sale. They look pretty, but tend to be very cumbersome for the first time "player". Choose instead a basic knife, of medium size. A bowie with a six inch blade is a good choice. Remember, we are going for QUALITY here, so expect to spend from 100 to 150 dollars US. Knives to stay clear of are chrome plated ones, serrated ones, those made for food preparation, double edged knives (unless you are an expert) "fruit knives", which tend to be chrome plated stainless steel, and are unsharpenable, hobby knives, widget blades, disposable razor blades, box knives, carpet knives, switch blades, folding knives unless they have a positive lock and of course, cheap knives. Keeping it sharp If you have followed my advice, and purchased a quality blade, made of steel with a high carbon content, you should have little problem keeping it sharp. You will need a set of oil stones coarse, medium and fine. You will need mineral oil, to keep the stones wetted as you sharpen, and finally, you will need a leather strap to hone the final edge. If you are unsure, your cutler will be more than pleased to sharpen and hone your purchase for you. Beginners need no extra sharpening on their blades. The factory does a fine job. In fact, you might just like to take that edge DOWN a notch or two, by placing a bit of steel wool on a cutting board, and running the edge through it, as if you are slicing a loaf of bread. The quality knife can always be sharpened again later. Keeping it clean Since knives can break the skin (that's what they were ALL made to do in the first place!) it is imperative that you keep them absolutely clean at all times. Wash your knife by hand (NO DISHWASHERS) every time you plan to do something with it. If it came with a leather scabbard, be sure to clean the blade before putting it away. Cleaning can be as simple as rubbing it with a soft cloth, and oiling it lightly with mineral oil, (high carbon steel WILL rust if not given a light coat of mineral oil from time to time) or as involved as scrubbing it with alcohol or germicidal soap prior to it's use. Beware of using the same blade on multiple partners without sterilizing it. Never "boil" a knife in oil or water to clean off the germs either. It can ruin the handle, or even warp the blade. It can also impregnate the steel with the oil itself, and cause it to lose some of it's temper. That means you can no longer keep it sharp. (Hospitals can and DO boil all their surgical instruments with hot steam in an autoclave but note that they are all stainless steel, and that the cutting edge is disposable.)