The following aims to better understand and define BDSM/Kink toys. This guide covers a range of tools and devices that are commonly used and designed to educate as well as to provide a deeper understanding. From the intricacies of buttplugs and chastity devices to the variations in impact play tools like canes and floggers, this compilation addresses both the functional and psychological aspects of these items.

Buttplug

An insertable that is specifically designed for anal use, often having a narrow tip that widens to a larger bulge which is attached by a short straight neck to a much wider flared base. The base is meant to prevent the plug from going deeper into the anus and the neck is meant to fit the sphincter muscles to hold it in place. Sizes, shapes and details vary and depending on personal preference.

Common materials used include metal, rubber, silicone or hardened glass. Most of the materials are non-porous in order for body fluids not to penetrate the buttplug and to faciliate easier cleaning. Shapes can include cones, curves and spheres that are designed to fit well inside of the anus taking the sphincter muscles and the outside anatomy in mind. The base is sometimes a circle, which can have crystals, tails or other elements embedded. Bases can also be a narrow strip that sits between the ass cheeks, or have a ring attached for easier removal – but they are always designed to prevent the buttplug from falling into the anal cavity during play.

Sizes vary greatly due to personal preference. Anal muscles may need to be trained or slowly stretched to accept larger sizes by starting small and using increasingly larger toys. This is a popular form of play for anal stretching.

Buttplugs can be worn in different occasions and are sometimes used for preparation for anal sex. However it is very common that they are also just worn as their own thing. They can be concealed under clothing as well as be used as a surprise for when underwear comes off.

In certain power dynamics a buttplug can also be used as a constant reminder that a person is controlled by another person. The sensation can also be a sexual sensation that reminds them of their dynamic.

In popular media – A common shape for buttplugs when it is stood on it’s base, resembles the shape of a Christmas tree and often in popular media memes are made out of buttplugs being “Christmas decorations”. A common meme also shows buttplugs that have colorful crystals embedded in the base being held between knuckles to mimic the infinity gauntlet from the Marvel Comic Universe.

Cane

A longer and narrow cylindrical shaped stick that is meant for caning, a form of impact. Originally a corporal punishment, later done in schools as punishment till the late 20th century.

In BDSM there is a very wide variety of canes available, some are more traditional and made out of rattan, other use materials like carbon fiber or resin. Weight, length and thickness are very variable and people have different preferences when playing with canes. In all cases these are fairly stingy and can leave marks when used. These marks can be deep and when very heavy can leave scars for long period of time.

Commonly used by Sadists on Masochists for play, but it is also used between D-type and s-type people as discipline method or punishment. Anticipation of a stingy cane can be a powerful thing to play with, but also breaking a cane on someone can be seen as a rite of passage for some.

Chastity Belt

Most often refers to a device for people with a vulva, however the Chastity Cage or cock cage can have variants that are also called chastity belts. Historically the chastity belt was used on people with a vulva as a means of enforcing fidelity (source).

The purpose of this device is to make the genitals unreachable by the person or by other people. Often the chastity belt has a locking mechanism and may be worn over an extended period of time as the person is unable to take it off on their own. Due to the nature of this play many chastity belts are made to be able to worn during toilet visits.

General shape & materials – Shaped similar to minimal underwear that covers the genitals and ass it often looks similar to a thong but is made out of a heavy duty material like metal, plastic or sometimes stiff leather to prevent the garment to be pushed to the side. Metal and plastic are often preferred as they are easier to keep clean during toilet visits.

For the anus a hole is often provided so that the person can have toilet visits. However sometimes this is also specifically made in a way that anal sex is also possible while wearing the belt. This practice often has the goal to deny the person of stimulation from their genitals while still being able to be penetrated. Sometimes as a form of Humiliation, Objectification or use as a Fucktoy.

For people with a vulva – The vulva is often covered by a perforated rigid material to deny access to the vulva. The perforation enables the wearer to have toilet visits while wearing the belt. In some cases the vulva opening is more opened up and sharp spikes or serrated edges are placed to either side of the vulva to discourage interaction with the vulva or clitoris.

For people with a penis – Mostly worn in a combination with an attached cage where the cage is held in place onto the penis.

Common add-ons:

In some cases a chastity belt is worn together with matching chastity bra that covers the breasts and locks access to them. Other restraints like cuffs, collars and other restraints are sometimes also attached to these chastity devices.

Alternative forms:

Not all belts are made to look like a belt. Sometimes piercings or clamps are used as chastity devices to prevent full access to the genitals and are referred to as chastity piercings.

Chastity Cage

Also known as a “cock cage”, sometimes part of a Chastity Belt, but also worn on it’s own is a chastity device for people with a penis. Generally made in the shape of a flaccid penis it surrounds the penis and is generally locked into place using a locking mechanism so the wearer cannot easily take the device off.

The main connected kink is chastity but there are more ways of playing with this kind of device. Often people will also play with Humiliation and/or denial of orgasms (as part of Orgasm play) as the small size of the cage may cause discomfort when arousal happens for the wearer. As the person is locked in it can also be used as a method of discipline. In some cases of cuckolding the cuck will wear a cage to take away their own sexual agency while the partner is engaging in sexual acts.

It can be made out of different rigid materials, however metal and plastic are the most common variants. Some use wire and have a cage like appearance where as others use a full cover shell or case that surrounds the penis. As the cage is often intended to be worn over time it is often equipped to allow the wearer to urinate while wearing the device and materials that are easily cleanable are usually preferred.

Cock Box

A low table with an opening in the center for the penis and balls to be pulled through in order to isolate and make them accessible for certain types of Cock & Ball Torture. Sometimes called a Trample Table.

Crop

A crop, sometimes also referred to as riding crop or hunting crop is a short type of whip without a lash attached to the end, but instead has a small leather patch. Originally used for horse riding, there are crops made specifically for BDSM usage. However most people will prefer the lower cost of an actual crop made for horse riding.

Variations in crops are mostly in materials, the shape of the end patch, and how bendy the stick of the crop is. They can come in a wide variety in options.

The crop is used as for impact play, but also for discipline.

Cuffs

A common device used to restrain a person’s limbs. There are cuffs that are a rigid single element for holding two limbs and those that have more attachment points or allow the recipient more movement. Then goal is to restrain a person from the cuffs attaching to another body part, another person or an object. Cuffs are commonly worn on the wrists and ankles and sometimes on the thighs, waist, lower arms and upper arms.

Cuffs are used for a large variety of reasons, including restraint, but are not limited to that. For some the ceremony of putting on cuffs by a Dominant (D) type person on an submissive (s) type person will signify the submission of the s-type person to the D-type person. Also some s-type people will wear cuffs as a symbol of their submission, even while not in a play scenario.

In BDSM cuffs are most commonly made out of softer materials like leather, foam or other fabrics with metal attachments as connectors. However metal is also very common and you will sometimes see plastic being used as well. The more rigid cuffs are often made to size and are therefore more expensive.

Sometimes people will use metal police-style Handcuffs in play, but these are not always allowed to be carried in each country. Also sometimes zip tie handcuffs are used.

Due to the invention of 3D printing (and other fabrication methods that have been made more accessible) people have been very creative with the way they make cuffs and how they are applied. The introduction of CNC & Milling machines have also helped to create more variations at a better price point.

Alternative kinds of cuffs can include;

• thumb & toe cuffs
• thumb cuff to nipple clamp
• Air cuffs that use Electro Play to keep the subject restrained
• wrist to upper arm cuffs
• fist cuffs

Dildo

A dildo generally is an object with a phallic shape that is used for vaginal and anal penetration. The shape can be anatomically inspired by a penis, however fantasy shapes and shapes that help stimulate specific areas of the vagina or anus are also popular.

The material varies a lot as some people like softer textures and other people like harder textures. Very common materials are silicone and rubber however metal, hardened glass, and other materials are also used.

In cheap dildos a jelly-like material containing phthalates is used to achieve the texture. These are however not always the safest option due to them being porous and not able to be cleaned properly. These are sometimes still used by adding a condom over them.

Some dildos have extra features like a built in vibrator or a tube that allows for artificial cum to be injected through the dildo into a person.

Dildos can be used by one’s self, but also with a partner. In some cases it is also used as part of a fucking machine or strap on as the part that is inserted. Larger dildos can be used for stretching and therefore there is such a huge range in dildo sizes to be found.

E-Stim Machine

Originally adapted from electric devices used in medical settings such as Electronic Muscle Stimulation (EMS) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machines. E-Stim machines are more specialized for kink activities.

The device is used to control muscle movement of the recipient, but also to give them painful stimulation. Due to the customization options of the device this can go from softly teasing to full overload in stimulation. Also using the device on different parts of the body will have different effects depending on the recipient.

Generally devices use pulsating DC or AC currents between two electrodes. Many devices will have an option to add more than 1 pair of electrodes and you will always have a positive and a negative side. The central electrical unit can work based on batteries, but there are also versions that are connected by a mains power cable..

The electrodes are often re-usable stickers that can be put on the body, however for kink there are also alternative attachments. Common are nipple clamps, buttplugs or dildo’s. But with imagination the only limit is how conductive the material is and so pinwheels, floggers and other items can be converted into electrodes.

Variation in control units:

The control units are to be found in a wide price and functionality range. A basic unit is fairly cheap, but it can go all the way to computer controlled and programmable units that cost a couple of hundred bucks.

The difference in function they often have is how powerful they are, and what kind of capabilities they have to control frequency of pulses and AC vs DC which can apply different kinds of stimulation. It is often advised to start with a lower end model and see if it is interesting, if so there are options to grow with.

Risks: Note that the use of a device like this, even with the lower level of electric involved does put a strain on the body. For EMS it is advised to only use it 1-2 times a week (source). Additionally if you’re using DC currents through a body, it’s okay for some parts of the body, but not for others. AC currents also have their risks on certain areas on the body. It is generally advised that you make sure to avoid putting electrodes on opposite sides of vital organs. Many of the devices you can buy online may look fully tested, but not all are properly certified, due to the nature of the sex industry. So be careful and look for reputable brands that have good reviews for their products.

Flogger

A whip consisting out of a handle and several strands of flexible materials at the end. Most closely resembling a cat o’ nine tails but without the extra attachments at the end of the falls.

Used for impact play and sometimes also used for discipline these are often considered the softer side of whips. Sometimes the recipient can get into a state of flow where the flogging feels more like a massage than a punishment. However this highly depending on the person and on the type of flogger used as there is so much variation.

Often made out of leather, they are also made out of other materials like rubber, silicone, jute, plastic or even metal. The size, amount of strands and potential attachments to the end of the strands are also variations that can give one flogger really different characteristics compared to other floggers. The attachments can vary from little knots, to metal shells, to bells or even rubber ducks! People also get really creative when it comes to what materials floggers are made out of. There have been CAT-5 (internet cable) cable floggers, with connectors at the end.

A good flogger will have a nicely balanced weight and will allow you to find a rhythm when using it. Florentine flogging is a more skillful way of using a set of floggers, where they are passed over the person in a figure of 8 pattern, but there are also many other techniques that benefit from a well made flogger.

Fuckbox

A Fuckbox is a piece of furniture where the person in the box has their genitals and/or anus available to the people that are outside of the box. Like with a glory hole on both sides of the interaction are unlikely to see one another, but can still have sexual interactions with one another. The sexual interaction between the person in the box and outside of the box is most commonly sexual play, but also sometimes other forms of play can be done. Due to the nature of the box, the person in the box is not very mobile and is sometimes even restrained. The dynamic most commonly is that the person in the box is the Bottom in the use of this furniture.

Fuck boxes are commonly made so that the person in the box is laying down, with their legs either inside or outside of the box. In some situations the boxes are also used in a standing doggy-style position – so that the legs and hips are sticking out and the upper body is in the box.

There are some versions of this box that look more like a spanking-bench but have an extra attachment to keep the head separated and some fuck boxes have additional holes for the hands and feet to protrude.

Fucking Machine

A machine that simulates the act of fucking / sexual stimulation. Can be used by yourself but also with a partner and are most often powered by electricity. The machines are usable for people with a penis or with a vulva and also have uses for anal stimulation.

These devices are sometimes used for orgasm play as the device will not need a rest and can keep going where a person would have needed a break. The controls are sometimes directly on the device, but often have a controller that allows for a more comfortable position while controlling it for ones-self or someone else. Modern versions sometimes also come with the ability to be controlled by an app on a mobile phone.

These machines can be separated into machines that you can ride like a saddle and others that are actively doing the motion of penetrative sex for you.

Ridden machines:

These are commonly linked to brands like Sybian, Tremor or Motorbunny and are specifically designed for a person to sit over like a saddle with different attachments that allow for vaginal or anal penetration combined with vibrations. The person thrust back and some have rotation options for the dildo attachments.

There are also non electric riding machines that allow the person to rock back and forth on a device that mechanically drives a dildo up and down for penetration.

Penetrative machines:

These machines are often a type of linear actuator that creates a linear or ‘thrusting’ motion with an attachment at the end for a vulva, anus or even a penis. The device itself often can be stand alone, but there are variations that connect to other objects like walls or are hand-held.

Attachments for this device also come in all shapes and sizes and sometimes there are attachments that allow any kind of dildo or masturbator to be attached. Some have a single moving rod for attachments, the more expensive models can have 2 or 3.

DIY version of this toy are sometimes converted from reciprocating saw’s with an attachment for a dildo but do not contain the same safety and hygiene features build into commercial models.

Hardpoint

An attachment point for bondage integrated into the structure of a room, usually in the ceiling but sometimes a wall or even the floor. Often used for rope bondage, specifically suspension and partial suspension play.

Heretic fork

A device that often looks like a collar with a double ended fork attached. It is placed between the collarbone so that the pointed ‘fork’ ends in the middle of the chest and under the chin. The modern device can commonly be adjusted in size and is held in place by a strap around the neck of the recipient. The goal is to make the recipient bend their heads back and make it uncomfortable/impossible to move the head forwards. It can also impede the ability to speak, swallow or open the mouth. Sometimes Posture Clothing can have this device included, but this is fairly rare.

Origins – Originally created as a torture device for witches and heretics it was meant to punish and sometimes to get a confession out of the person wearing it. These confessions possibly resulted in a conviction. In some cases it had “I renounce” or “I refuse” in the language of the time written on it as a symbol of the punishment

Humbler

A humbler is a restraint for the scrotum that will pull the scrotum away from the body in different ways. The device mostly consists out of two planks in a curved shape with screws to sandwich the boards together. A slot in the middle of both boards is used to contain the scrotum, and the screws tighten to sandwich the boards until the scrotum is stuck in place while being pulled away from the body.

The device comes in several variants; the most common one has a W-wave like shape and is used behind the legs of the wearer, pulling the scrotum backwards. This is alleviated when the person wearing it kneels down and bends forwards with their torso. This is also the reason why it is called the humbler, as the wearer will have to bow to be more comfortable. The W-shaped version also sometimes comes with attachment points for cuffs to make it even harder on the wearer.

The second, alternative, version is one that pulls the scrotum forwards and is most commonly V-shaped with attachments on both ends for cuffs for the wrists. This way the scrotum is pulled forwards from underneath the penis and the wearer is likely to force the wearer to hunch over slightly to put their wrists in a comfortable position while wearing this v shaped humbler.

A humbler is mostly worn by submissive type people as a form of restraint, and sometimes as a form of discipline. It’s considered to be a part of cock & ball torture for many. With the ability of the wearer not to stand up straight and having to crawl on their hands and knees, it could also be part of humiliation play.

John Willie

A post, waist high, driven in the ground or firmly secured to the floor. A captive is tied to it at wrists, knees and ankles, frequently for a whipping.

Named in honor of John Alexander Kouts, aka John Willie, English author / illustrator of Bizarre magazine. One of his most famous watercolors shows a woman tied to such a post.

John Willie is also a euphemism for an erect penis, which this sort of post suggests.

Nipple Clamp

Nipple clamps are devices that are used to squeeze nipples. There are many different types of niple clamps as there are many different ways to use them and many different mechanisms for squeezing or attaching. The intensity of the squeeze often differs with the different types of mechanism and people have personal preferences for which types they prefer.

The use of the nipple clamps is most common in sadistic and masochistic play. However they are also sometimes decorative and worn as clothing or used for sensation / stimulation. These types are often a bit more comfortable or have decorative embellishments.

Types of Nipple Clamps:

• Alligator clamps: clamps that have serrated teeth, mostly using a mechanism similar as that of a clothes pin, sometimes with a safety screw to prevent full closure.
• Bull nose clamp: a mechanic similar to a clothespin but with pincer shaped legs, often covered in silicone or rubber for comfort. The are also usable on the nasal septum (where a bull’s nose ring would hang).
• Clover clamp: a mechanical spring loaded system that pulls small round beaks closed. Pulling at the end of them will make them close even further.
• Magnet clamp: using magnets to put force on the nipple, especially harsh as the more it squeezes, the more attraction the magnets get.
• Mawa clamp: originally used as clothes hangers, these have a wide, often coated, beak to spread the pressure.
• Medical clamp: commonly from either a medical or piercing background, these scissor like devices have ends that can squeeze closed and hold position to different degrees.
• Screw clamp: use a screwing mechanism to increase the squeezing pressure.
• Tweezer clamp: two rods connected at the base with a connector that, when slid closer to the tip, will cause the rods to press together and squeeze harder.
• Household clips: People have been known to utilise clothes pins, snack bag clips and binder clips. Caution should be used when using a household object as a kink toy as certain types may cause injury.
• Piercing camps: extreme nipple clamps that will actually pierce the skin of the wearer. These are not very common and are considered part of blood play.

Attachments: Some people attach items to nipple clamps. This can include decorative jewellery, a bell to keep track of a person, small vibrators for some stimulation, or weights to pull on the nipples in addition to squeezing. The most common form of attachment is a chain which can be used to attach the person to something or to hang weighted objects from. The chain itself often already carries a bit of weight of it’s own which can add a pulling sensation.

Sets of Clamps: There are also sets of clamps with built in chains that attach to multiple points on the person’s body such as to the person’s nipples and genitals. Some sets also attach to thumb screws which create the effect of a minimal straitjacket. Sets can also be used in electro play as electrodes to conduct sensations.

One Bar Prison

A device that is meant for keeping the recipient in place by having them stand on top of a bar with a dildo or buttplug at the end. The bar is commonly fixed in place to a metal plate on the floor that the recipient stands on. The recipient may wear high heels or have the bar adjusted to prevent them from standing on their toes and being able to lift their weight off the inserted toy. The bar from the floor to the crotch is usually fully adjustable to accommodate getting onto the device as well as people of different heights. Alternatively there have been one bar prisons that do not use a plate on the floor but use a Spreader bar between the ankles to achieve a similar situation.

The goal is of course to have the recipient stand up while not being able to move away from the device, making it a prison made out of one bar. There are risk considerations to be taken into account as any slipping or falling could result in injury due to the nature of the restraint.

Ovipositor

An insertable dildo that ‘lays eggs.’ Often these dildos are hollow with a tube inside where body safe eggs can be pushed through and into the body.

Paddle

A solid tool that is used for impact play and discipline. Usually has a narrow handle and a wider striking surface made from a single rigid material, as opposed to a slapper, which has a flexible striking surface.

Often made out of wood, but also sometimes out of metal, epoxy or other rigid material. “Pervertible” versions often come from the kitchen or sporting goods aisles in the form of cutting boards, cricket bats, etc. Some paddles have a textured surface.

The breaking of a paddle on someone is sometimes seen as a rite of passage.

Pillory

A device that restrains the head and wrists of the recipient. Often made out of two wooden boards (with large 3 holes in the middle) that can be opened to trap the wrists and neck and hold them in place. It is commonly used for whipping or other forms of Impact play. Often mistakenly referred to as Stocks, which are only restraining the ankles.

Traditionally attached to the ground with a post or posts, there are also variations in BDSM that have the person carry the pillory as a restraint. The device is often associated with medieval times where it was used as public humiliation, often combined with physical punishment.

Pinwheel

Originating from the Wartenberg wheel which was a medical device, in BDSM this is used as a form of sensory play.

The device can contain one or more wheels with spikes that can be rolled over the skin. Usually they are made out of metal due to the possibility that the device can cause bleeding. They come in a large variety of amount of wheels, colors and shapes and there are also versions that attach to a finger or ones.

Alternative versions of this kind of device can be found in the sewing, cooking or hardware departments of your local stores. Things like pastry edge cutters, leather sewing hole-punches and even wallpaper prick rollers have been used for similar effects – although items not designed as toys may have hygiene risks or safety risks due to not being designed for play.

Prostate Massager

A prostate massager is a toy that’s designed to stimulate the prostate via manual pressure, vibrations, rotating shaft patterns or a combination of vibrations and a rotating shaft. Some prostate massagers also stimulate the taint at the same time to add to the experience. Some examples of prostate massagers: Nexus revo stealth, the lelo Hugo and the lovense edge 2.

Rigid Fiddle

A posture device that connects the neck and wrists similar to a Pillory but more mobile. The recipient’s hands are locked into cuffs connected to a short bar that connects to a collar worn around the neck. This is uncomfortable and makes the recipient hold up their arms or bend their necks down to try and get into a comfortable position. The wrists can be placed next to one another, but in some versions are placed over one another in-line with the neck hole. Commonly made out of solid metal, but also sometimes executed in plastic or wood, the device is often locked with a padlock.

Origin – The modern variant has a similar design as devices made in the middle ages called Shrew’s fiddle that was used in the middle ages.

Slapper

A slapper is a tool that is used for impact play and discipline. The striking surface is usually made from one or two layers of a flexible material, as opposed to a paddle, which has a rigid striking surface. The handle may be of a different material than the striking surface or of a piece with it.

Many slappers are made from two layers of leather, with a distinctive “slap” sound coming from the second layer hitting the first shortly after the initial impact on the bottom’s body. The striking surface can also be made of rubber, firehose, or other flexible materials. In the pervertible arena, a folded over belt makes a good slapper.

Spanking Bench

A piece of furniture in the shape of a bench that is used for a Bottom to lay face down and keep their limbs out of the way. Most commonly used for spanking or other impact play this position also offer great access to the genitals and anus and is sometimes also referred to as a ‘fuck-bench’ because of that.

The exact shape of the bench differs frequently, but generally there is a cushioned plank where the bottom can rest their torso. To either side of this are additional cushioned planks for the arms and legs to rest on. The position will most often resemble sitting on hands and knees. There is sometimes also a special cushion for the head and there are usually rings to allow cuffs to be attached to the bench. Restraints can also be added without rings using other methods like chains, rope or straps. Generally they are made to be sturdy as both impact and rough sexual play can be an option.

Speculum

A speculum is originally a medical device used for vaginal and anal examination and treatment. In BDSM it is used as part of medical play, as well as stretching. They are mostly used in vaginas in medical practice but are played with anally in a kink context, however the devices used are often made differently.

In play the device is used as part of medical play, however also used by a dominant person on a submissive person to fully display and make the recipient accessible for the dominant person. This extreme exposure can result in humiliation, shame or degradation and play with the mental space of the recipient.

Spreader Bar

A posture device that connects 2 or more limbs to one another with often the intent to spread the limbs apart. A common application is a bar between the ankles that would prevent the recipient to close the leg. This can be done while laying down and while standing up. In some cases there is also an application where both ankles and wrists are constrained by a single bar forcing a position on the recipient.

Attaching of the limbs to the bar can be an integrated bar of the bar, however more commonly Cuffs are used to attach it to a bar with rings attached to it. In Japanese Bondage there are examples of bamboo being used as a spreader bar with rope being used to connect the limbs to the bamboo in a spread position.

St Andrew’s Cross

A set of wooden planks in the shape of the Saltire cross (X-shaped) that is secured in place with a stand or is mounted to a wall. It often comes with rings at the ends for attachment of Cuffs or other restraints.

It is used to position a person either facing the cross or looking away from the cross. The person may be restrained by having their wrists and possibly ankles attached to the ends of the cross or their limbs may be left free so they can make adjustments to their position as the scene proceeds. When both wrists and ankles are restrained, the person receiving the activity is forced to stand ‘spread eagled’ (with their arms and legs open), which allows the person topping to access to a lot of the body but may also cause the bottom to not be able to sustain as long a scene as they could if they were not so restrained.

Many forms of play can be done using this piece of dungeon furniture. These can include: sensory play, impact play, electro play and wax play.

Origin – The origin of the shape and name of the cross is linked to the crucifixion of Saint Andrew. In the tradition, it is said that St Andrew requested to be crucified on an X-shape cross as they found themselves to be unworthy be crucified on the same shape cross as Jesus. However it is unknown if this actually happened as the earliest accounts seem to depict the use a Latin shaped cross. The name and shape have however been adopted in to BDSM.

Strap On

A strap on is a harness that holds a phallic object. It can be used for penetrating another person similar to the motion of thrusting using a penis, or by the other person “riding” it.

A classic harness is worn around the hips/waist and upper thighs of the person wearing it to give them the leverage needed to use it with a hip thrusting motion when penetrating another person. Some strap on harnesses are also built more like underwear and have less leverage, but sit nicer visually on the body or be more comfortable. Some harnesses allow for anal and vaginal access of the wearer, where as others fit more snugly. Other types of harness can be worn on the thigh, hand, or even face.

Most harnesses will have an attachment system to attach different dildos to it. This could be a system like vac-u-lock, a screwing system, or using a ring to hold a dildo in place. Some strap on harnesses also come with options for the wearer to have insertables on the inside or have a small vibrator added to stimulate their genitals.

An alternative strap on is the “strapless” strap on where a person with a vagina can insert the end of the dildo-shaped object into themselves for leverage without extra straps holding it up. Parts of “strapless” strap on may be built to rest on the clitoris to also stimulate the wearer too, however many people will use this form of strap on with tights or other clothing to keep it in position.

A strap on can be used for penetrative sex with a vagina, pegging, or double penetration where a single person with a penis uses it as well as a strap on in one go. A strap on generally enables anyone to penetrate their partner – regardless if they do or do not have a penis.

In some dynamics a strapon may be used by a submissive person who is not allowed to experience stimulation from having penetrative sex with the penetration receiving Dominant person. The act by the submissive person is usually fully service oriented and is sometimes paired with a chastity belt or chastity cage.

Suspension Frame

A suspension frame is a free standing structure usually used to do rope suspension (and sometimes other types of bondage). These are generally made of wood or metal. Wood frames usually take the form of swing set-type setups with a single overhead bar or pagodas. Metal frames are often easily disassembled and reassembled for portability; they can be tripods with three legs or rectangles with four. Before using a suspension frame, it’s important to inspect it to verify it’s suitable to hold the load, including having any necessary safety features such as straps to hold the legs of a tripod if it was designed to use them.

Urethral Sound

Urethral sounding involves inserting a device known as a sound – a long, thin rod, typically made of surgical steel – into your urethral opening.

Vacuum Bed

A Vacuum Bed is a contraption where a person will lay entirely enclosed between two sheets of plastic. An air pump is then used to suck out the air from between the plastic sheets. The person in the bed will usually have a way to breathe by having a pipe to breath through or will have their head sticking out of the sheets.

The construction of the bed often contains a rectangular frame with 2 sides that can open with a type of hinge. The plastic sheets can vary in colour and transparency and be made from a variety of materials such as rubber, latex or other materials that do not let air pass through it. In many cases the bed will never be 100% air-leak free and it is common that the air pump will remain running to pump out the air faster than it can get in again. This also doubles as a safety feature.

When inside of the bed the person can be played with and is sometimes subjected to sensory play as the pressure of the vacuum alters their sense of touch. A vacuum bed can also be combined with Rope play or Rope bondage to alter those sensations as well. Other forms of play that can play with the person in their restrained way is also very much possible.

A variation on the vacuum bed is the vacuum cube, which allows more flexibility in how the person in the device is positioned.

Vibrator

A vibrating device that is predominantly used for stimulation of the vulva, clitoris, vagina, penis, prostate and anus. There are a wide range of options and preferences such as:

• air pressure/sonic vibrators: clitoral stimulation using air pressure differences or a small vibrating membrane creating air vibrations.
• anal vibrators: specifically shaped for the anus and often to stimulate a prostate
• classic / bullet vibrators: often simple an small, consisting of a hard straight shaft with a simple vibrating element in the middle. Commonly used for clitoral or external body stimulation.
• clitoral vibrators: Also sometimes referred to as pin-point vibrators and made to specifically stimulate a clitoris.
• g-spot vibrators: Specifically shaped to best reach the g-spot of a vagina with the vibrator located all the way at the head of the device.
• rabbit vibrators: a larger shaft made for insertion, sometimes with moving elements, and an extra smaller vibrator on the front with two small prongs that look like rabbit ears (hence the name). The smaller part with the rabbit ears is designed to sit on the clitoris while the shaft is inserted. Some versions also have an anal attachment for anal stimulation.
• remote control/wearable vibrators: Insertable vibrators for inside a vagina or anus or external vibrators that lay inside of the underwear which are controlled by a remote control. Often worn and used under clothing.
• wand vibrators: originally marked for use as a back massager, but adopted as a favorite among many for the strong vibrations. The wand vibrator has a round vibrating head controlled by a long handle and is often used for external stimulation. Attachments are also available to allow penetration, penis stimulation or to increase or change sensations.

People have a vast variety of preferences, hence the large variety of different vibrators and where vibrations are applied. Some people will also use a vibrator for nipple stimulation or for other areas on the body.

History – The vibrator is considered to be one of the first commercialized sex toys. It’s exact origins are unsure, but a patent for a electromechanical vibrator in the early 1880s by Joseph Mortimer Granville is considered a first step. The device was initially not used as a sex toy, but to reduce muscle ache and other medical treatments. In the early 1900s the device was marketed and sold to the wider public as an at-home medical device, probably sparking the use of it as a sexual toy.

Violet Wand

A device initially created as a medical device for electrotherapy (source) and named for the often violet glow it emits. It is used for electro Play and creates a prickling or painful sensation when it is placed just above the skin and the electronic charge is discharged into the body. It uses a low-current, high-voltage setup through electrodes made out of glass that emit ozone on use.

Original violet wands are harder to come by and commonly have to be adapted to be able to be used on our modern power grids. Modern versions have appeared under the brand names such as “neon wand” and there are also newer builds based on traditional violet wands available as well.

Besides the classic glass electrode attachments new attachments have also been designed that allow a body to become the electrode and have the current pass between people while it is being worn. These are often known as body contact cables.

Conductive items can also be used with a violet wand to create a new sensation or to combine electro play with other types of play such as using conductive rope in shibari or using the metal in the needles used in needle play.

Whip

Whip is sometimes used as an umbrella term for any kind of impact tool that has one to many flexible tails or falls attached to its handle. Many people use “whip” to refer primarily to tools with a single tapered tail. By moving the handle in specific ways, the wielder of a whip can increase the kinetic energy generated for impact play.

Types of whips that are used in BDSM:

• Cat o’ nine tails: handle with 9 falls with likely cracker or metal attachments at the ends
• Flogger: handle with many tails/falls
• Single tail whip: flexible whip with a single fall and likely a cracker at the end
  • Bull whip: single piece whip with stiffened handle
  • Cow whip: two piece whip with solid handle made out of wood
  • Knout: two piece whip with rigid handle and potential metal end attachment
  • Quirt: short two piece whip with a split end attachment
  • Snake whip: single piece whip
  • Stock whip: two piece whip with rigid handle
  • Sjambok: single piece rigid whip without attachment