A Girl's Guide to Sex Toys - Part Six

As couples become more and more intrigued with BDSM, and choose to place a toe into that arena, many toys once considered too kinky or wild have become rather mild in the average day to day sex lives of the adventurous.  We discussed anal play last week, which is becoming a standard practice in many bedrooms, but another item that is gaining popularity in recent years are clamps.

Clamps can either be for the nipple, clitoris, or penis/sac, and offer a taste of pleasure/pain to the wearer that can heighten the sexual experience.  For the purposes of the blog, I will refer to clamps for the most part as nipple clamps, as they are more prevalent.

Now not much is available showing how far nipple clamps go back in history, but in 1791, the Marquis de Sade did discuss their use in his book Justine, as well as many other torture devices.  As sadomasochism became prevalent in the 1700's, it is considered by most scholars that the devices were around for at least 100 years prior to the publication of de Sade's highly inflammatory books.

Clamping from that time period on always took on a dark fetish light as the name de Sade associated with any sexual act was shunned for quite some time.  As time progressed, and the porn industry and the VCR brought fetishes to a whole new audience, nipple clamping is something many men and women have become very interested in.

While clamps are another one of those acquired tastes, they not for everyone.  But considering some newer clamps are adjustable, allowing the wearer to determine what level of pain is comfortable for them, it has allowed more to sample to BDSM delights.

Most sex toy distributors offer a few types of clamps, but you still need to check out the hardcore or fetish sites to find a wider variety if you are interested in the unique.

The ones most are familiar with are of course the weighted style bull-nose clamps, but there are an array of other types - most still using the bull-nose pinchers, but adding additions to the basic format.  You can find ones that are encrusted with beads and gems, ones with vibes attached (either battery or connected to a source of electricity), suction cup/vacuum style, feathered/tasseled, "Y" shaped ones with clamps or rings depending on which sex they are for, or  even FORCEPS (OUCH!).  Some pictures follow of some of the unique or just downright painful looking implements available in today's market.

Some sound words of advice?  Like any other fetish toy, it is suggested to try by yourself so you can gauge where your limits for tolerance are before engaging with a partner.  

Clear communication as to what those limits are is also a vital part, as your partner does not have ESP and could potentially hurt you without trying to.  

If you are new to the BDSM world, then it is also suggested to find clamps that are adjustable -- the tension can be reduced to find the right level of pleasure-pain, and then later increased as you become more well versed in your new sexual arena.

And my last word of advice?

Don't forget to take them off!