Author: Corva Siouan
It might look like a tiny, spiky pizza cutter, but it's not for use in the kitchen... unless, of course, you like easy access to food while you're getting kinky. Anyone who has ever enjoyed the tingling, prickling sensation of the classic Wartenberg wheel has likely wanted to explore this aspect of sensory play even further. It's a feeling unlike anything else as the little points roll across your skin, sparking nerve endings to life. Sometimes a pinwheel alone, in talented hands, is enough to send you floating into subspace. This tool was originally intended for use in testing nerve reactions, but Dr. Wartenberg, may he rest in peace, unintentionally gave kinky people yet another fun toy for use in medical fetish scenes or general sensory stimulation.
The classic Wartenberg pinwheel is an essential, basic, inexpensive toy that everyone who likes sensory play would do well to have in their toy bag. At a price under ten bucks, you'll find it's more than worth the cost. This spiky little number produces a feeling that could throw you into overdrive, just a little painful for some but unlike anything else you've ever felt - not exactly ticklish and sometimes enough to bring you to your knees. It can be used all over the body, and of course the more sensitive the part the more likely you are to be thrown into overload. But still... if I, with a low pain threshold, had a good time when the pinwheel was used on me, then it's worth anyone giving it a try if they're interested in exploring sensory play. The storage sheath is sold separately, but you might want it to protect your fingers when reaching into your toy bag.
If you've already got the classic model and you're still in search of new ways to explore this prickly play, you're in luck. Is the original pinwheel not mean-looking enough for you? A little more vicious but still not too frightening, the 7 Wheel Pinwheel looks just like the original only with six extra wheels in a row. Take the feeling of an ordinary pinwheel and multiply it! The Medieval Pinwheel looks a bit like a spur or a morningstar if you're more into ancient weaponry. It's a little more vicious than the classic pinwheel, good for a more intense sensation. Meaner still is the positively evil-looking Double-Sided Pinwheel, which was designed explicitly for kinky play. 
On each side of the five-inch handle is a separate wheel with evenly spaced stainless steel pins that are sharper and pointier than the pins on the original Wartenberg wheel. When I first felt those long pins in my sensitive flesh I thought I was going to lose it, but I rode through the pain and sure enough, I was soon floating somewhere north of the ceiling. There are even large and small plastic models that are excellent for those with metal or latex allergies or those who need a disposable model. Just think of how confused the recycling center employee will be when he or she sees it sitting in your recycling bin (or maybe you'll give them a thrill, depending on if they're in the know). Why stop at just one style? Multiple pinwheels used at once can be far more stimulating, after all.
Unless you're using a disposable plastic model, a pinwheel should always be sterilized after play. After all, those little needle-like points could break the skin if you play hard. Some prefer to soak the pinwheel in a betadine solution, while others use an autoclave. JT's Stockroom suggests antibacterial soap and warm water or a disinfectant.
To see the pinwheel in action from the comfort of your computer chair or couch, watch the way Mistress Samantha pushes Cucky over the edge in "Pinwheels and Feathers" or see naked women bound and tormented with the prickly toy in "Ticklish Orgasms 3."
