Expert: Master Shadow - 9/3/2008

Question
Master Shadow,
I'm a sub, with a master who I think is ideal for me. Our d/s is mainly sexual, which works for me.

He has got me past many of the limits I had right at the start and still respects the limits I still have. He is currently working on getting me past my reluctance for things like paddles/whips etc, and its not something i'm against - just nervous about as I have never tried them before. With my limits being quite 'low' (to my mind at least) I dont think he has ever considered knife play, yet through a complete accident I found that I really like it, and I would like to try it with him.

I have no idea if that is something he would consider, or even how to bring it up. Any advice would be greatly appriciated.

Answer
This is where honesty in all things comes into play. How is He to know, if you don't discuss your kinks and desires with Him? This includes what things you would LIKE to try, and experiment with. I would approach the subject in a calm, respectful fashion, and explain to Him about your desires to try sensual knife play.

Realize, with sensual knife play, there is no cutting (Cutting falls under another category, called edge play, because of the dangers associated with edge play, not because the knife has an edge on it). Rather, the knife is used to make the sub/slave feel exposed to danger at the hands of their Dominant.

In many ways, there is nothing more sensual than being stroked lovingly with the edge of a very sharp knife. When involved with knife play, regardless of whether or not cutting is done, safety must be first and foremost. Many a sub/slave will start shuddering, and some actually feint while doing knife play, so it is important that your Dom, or Master keep at least one hand on your body at any time that the knife is against you, or close enough that if you swayed, feinted, or moved suddenly move, He would feel your movement, and remove the knife immediately. This is to keep you safe. Many slaves may actually fall towards the knife, even when on the cross, so it becomes imperative that the Dominant keeps you safe at all times.

As far as Him being interested in it, the only way to find out is to ask. Start out with a knife that is dull first, until He gets the hang of handling the blade safely, without cutting Himself, or you. This may sound boring, until you realize that the knife could be kept in the freezer, or in a bucket of ice during play. The knife will feel real intense if it is frozen before being used. I would also suggest attending an event where this kind of play is explained, and demonstrated, so the T/two of Y/you can get an idea of what is used, and how. Many a Dominant (Myself included) will rake the edge of the knife along nerve lines along the sides of your body, gently raking the tip from just under the armpit all the way to the hip. This is a very sensitive area of the body, as is the back of the legs, the back of the kneecaps, as well as the inner thighs.

I have used knife play to get my slave off before, and have upon occasion actually inserted the blade into her while playing with her clit. I gave her a warning not to move, as the blade was inside of her, and movement would cause her damage. Of coarse, the blade wasn't REAL sharp, but she didn't need to know that! LOL!

Anyway, I wish the T/two of Y/you luck on Y/your Journey. If you have further questions, or need clarification, please feel free to write again.


                                            SINcerely in Leather,
                                            Master Shadow.