Mitigating Risk in Knife Play
Knife play is a scene involving the use of one or more knives, from either side of the slash.
This is a form of edge play and should be approached with additional care.
Common Risks of Knife Play:
Loss of concentration
Emotional distress
Infection
Blood loss
Key Requirements of Knife Play:
First Aid kit
Coverings for furnishings
Things to Consider During Knife Play
Decide if your knife play is a mindfuck or for bloodletting
Knife play can be a psychological trip without the need to break skin, but negotiations need to thoroughly cover which aspects of knife play you’re looking to explore, whether as a Top or as a bottom. Mindfucks can lead to a lot more emotional distress, which could lead to unintentional injury, whilst bloodletting can obviously have more life-threatening consequences.
Be mindful of blood-thinning meds or anaemia before trying knife play
Medications and blood disorders can easily make an innocuous nick of the skin a much more deadly risk. Communicate clearly with your partner so that you are both aware of anything that could make the activity even more dangerous.
Set and respect boundaries before you start a knife play scene
When you’ve decided which form your play will take, ensure that you’ve voiced any limits and boundaries clearly - if play comes anywhere close to infringing on these, use your safeword immediately. Putting yourself into a state of distress could lead to inadvertent consequences, and your safest option is to end the scene and perhaps try again some other time.
Knives are sharper than you think
It may seem obvious, but even the most seasoned kinkster, or indeed chef, will attest to the surprise of just how sharp a knife can be. Pay particular care to new or unused knives, and be prepared to use the spine of the knife, as opposed to the cutting edge. Knife points are just as dangerous and will remain sharp even if the edge is blunted.
Avoid thin skin and high-risk areas of the body in knife play
If you’re going to use a knife for bloodletting, thoroughly research areas which might be safer to draw a small amount of blood from. Never cut anywhere near an artery, vein, ligaments, or tendons.
Don’t mix knife play with other BDSM activities
It shouldn’t need to be said, but do not attempt to mix knife play and any other activity. All involved need to be incredibly focused - the bottom on remaining still, the Top on remaining in control. Having sex with a knife to the throat might sound like a fun idea, but it’s a sure way to end the scene badly.
These considerations are not designed to be advice in how to play safely - they are things to think about prior to engaging in dangerous forms of play.
No matter the precautions you take in this kind of activity, you cannot guarantee the safety of those involved. Approach this form of play with extreme caution.
