Handcuffs by Pipedream

1 comments
A couple of years ago, I bought these at a store near me since they were on shelf for Halloween. For me, these aren't really a "costume-y" sort of addition to my toy box—they're an essential, and at the price they were ($12 there, $10 at Edenfantasys) I thought that they'd be a pretty good buy that would be worth it. Since I've had them for a long time and they've survived quite a few rough sessions—alright, more than a few—I'm pleased with them, but I don't feel that they're the best out there. When wanting a simple, cheap pair of cuffs for either costume or bedroom use, these are perfect; for something more substantial, look elsewhere on Edenfantasys.

Using the handcuffs
Cop scenarios truly do not interest me. I'm not one for roleplay, unless it's dark, mysterious, vampire roleplay (I'm the vampire, not my partner), and even then, it's not too much different from regular personalities. With these cuffs, even though I personally don't like the roleplay usage, they work perfectly for cop scenes or Halloween parties where you plan to dress up as a cop. They're cheap, and if you're only using them for costume reasons, they're great. For bedroom use, they do work well at a low price, but they're not exactly the most attractive or well-made pair of cuffs. If you're a more visual person, a more expensive, higher quality pair of handcuffs would be better.

To use cuffs, out of costume mode and in bedroom/roleplay mode, you put them around your partner's wrists, adjusting each cuff one by one. Hold the cuff open, and tighten it around your partner's wrist, making sure that the cuff slides onto the gear wheel—you should hear a "clicking" noise. Now, use the stop lever to keep the cuffs in place when you're playing with your partner. The basic way to use the lever is, when perfectly adjusted on a partner, move the lever so that it's closest to the STOP—this should keep the cuffs from getting any tighter (or looser for those "Houdini"s out there). Now, enjoy the sensations that handcuffs bring, and when finished, switch off of the stop position and unlock your partner.

Remember to be careful, as handcuffs can become painful after a lot of friction and have been known to cause scarring on particularly fidgety submissives.

Design/Craftmanship
There were some design flaws, however, that lead me to believe that these aren't for use in the bedroom. One is that one of the cuffs does not adjust correctly—you know how handcuffs click into place? Well, one of the toothed gears that makes the cuffs "click" is off track, and every time I've used them, I've had to focus on making sure that the cuff doesn't slide to the side of the gear, because when it does, I cannot open them. I've had to take some tools and readjust the little gear so that it would stay properly centered in the cuffs.

Another is the use of the "STOP" lever on the side of the handcuffs (it's placed right near the keyholes). The stop lever allows the cuffs to stay in place and not become further tightened or adjusted when in use, but this completely contradicts the costume-only idea that I had. And sometimes...it just doesn't work. I don't know if it's something that I've been doing incorrectly for the past few years, but it truly does not work. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't. It almost has a mind of its own...scary. When it has worked, I've found it hard to take it out of the STOP position (when in the STOP position, the cuffs cannot be opened).


My last problem with the cuffs are the links connecting them and how they're connected to the cuffs. There are three links between the two handcuffs, but they're not smelted and the edges can easily scratch and catch on skin. They are very strong, but smelted metal is much better, and looks better too. The links are connected to the cuffs by this odd piece that sort of sits on a ball so that the handcuffs can move in any which way the wearer moves. It sort of reminds me of Barbie dolls' heads, where they connect to the neck. Though nothing has happened in my experience with the ball popping out (like I've done on many occasions when I was younger to Barbie dolls) the opening where it sits is just small enough for the ball to fit and not fall out—even so, it worries me a bit.


The handcuffs come with a set of two very pretty keys, each same in design. One of them stays in the drawer with the handcuffs, and the other stays on my keyring with my other keys. They're made of the same metal that the handcuffs are made of (which I'm not sure what metal that is—possibly nickel—but whatever it is, it's very strong and heavy duty and hasn't rusted since I've had them) and are very nice looking; their design is more interesting than what most handcuffs come with.


To end on a good note, let's talk about the overall design of the cuffs, without tearing apart each individual flaw. Though they're not polish-finished, they are very clean and smooth and, quite honestly, look pretty damn good when they're on someone. They are not an easy-on, easy-off style and they don't have the safety feature, which might be a bit scary for beginners, but for the experienced users, it's a joy (and an excitement!). Even without the smelting of some of the metal (and some rough edges here and there), their price really does outdo their flaws.

Size/Fit
Metal handcuffs, I've noticed, don't really come in a "one size fits all" package. This pair of handcuffs has eight different adjustments that can be used, but they really don't fit very large wrist sizes (and when they do, they're a bit uncomfortable because of the shape).

Keeping them in good shape
If they become dirty, wipe them down with a soapy towel and dry. This should clean them thoroughly. Though I'm not sure what type of metal this is, I do know that it's sturdy and doesn't rust! This does not mean, however, that these can be sterilized—I'm honestly not sure if they can be, and I wouldn't take my chances thinking that they could. To keep from the worry, make sure to not cause any cuts when wearing this and do be careful; even though they are costume use and are not the best out there, there still can be bad situations that no one would want to be in.

Extra comments and performance
I believe that the cuffs' biggest downfall is the gear inside one of the cuffs that kept getting off its track. That's what really killed them for me. Aside from that though, they're a pretty good pair of cuffs for their price. I am happy that I bought them, because they were cheap and have served me well over the years. After everything is said and done, they are a good pair of cuffs, and are long lasting, even through rough use.

product picture
Handcuffs by Pipedream
Material: Metal
Safety:

Big Spikey Collar by Leatherbeaten

0 comments
The "Big Spikey Collar" is my favorite collar for myself. I have a couple of others that I enjoy to wear on special occasions, like my Master collar and a dog neoprene collar that I bought at Target (along with a little collar that I bought for my little girl which she lost, I was so upset), but this collar made by Leatherbeaten certainly surpasses all of my others. I absolutely love its intimidating look and its frightening demeanor; it matches my personality, and it's so well-made that it will still be around throughout my entire life. I am very happy that my favorite sex toy shop provided me with this wonderful collar.

When and where to wear the collar
So, how exactly does one wear a collar of such...dominance? Of course, it's made for a certain type of person, with its extremely long spikes and frightening demeanor. After putting it on, you can wear it a number of different places, and don't take my suggestions as the only places. You can wear it to: clubs, BDSM events, dress-up parties, anime conventions, BDSM conventions. As someone who is dominant, I find it perfect for home use when I feel like dressing up in certain outfits for play, but it isn't something that I'd necessarily wear out. My little girl, however, does love seeing this on me as it fits my personality perfectly.

How the collar's made and what it's made of
The Big Spikey Collar (I love that name...it's really hilarious) is made of a high quality cowhide leather that's vegetable tanned to make it especially taut and strong to hold the heavy spikes. The buckle is a spike design where the spike goes through the adjustment holes over both straps to make a perfect fit. It's a very comfortable collar to wear, and doesn't itch whatsoever or scratch the skin.

This collar's main focus are its nine intimidating, eye-opening spikes. They're made of nickel-plated steel, are about 1 1/8" in length, which is bigger than most designs I've seen, and are very pointy—I pressed my fingers against them and they definitely can do some damage. They'd give a nice sting if you decided to take the collar off and smack someone's butt with them; of course, don't do such a thing without caution. The rivets holding the spikes in place are made of nickel-plated brass; do be cognizant of any allergies you might have.

At a full length of 19" when laid down, the strap accommodates necks sized 10½" to 16½". Within those sizes, there are a total of twelve adjustment holes, six on each side of the strap, allowing you to fit a wide range of combination fits within those measurements. (This is the smaller size that I'm talking about.) The leather that it's made of is extremely firm because of the methods used to tan it; though I personally would have preferred it to be a much softer leather, it is necessary that it's that firm because it holds the spikes straight out and erect—they don't droop at all.

The buckle is actually really aggravating to adjust. The Dauphine collar's buckle is the same design, but since the leather is very flexible on Dauphine and not tanned, it isn't hard to adjust. Because of the Big Spikey Collar's firm leather, the buckle is very difficult to adjust and fit alone. This is not ideal since it is a more dominant collar; to have someone put it on you would be a little odd, if not "off." Adjusting the collar in the front of your neck and in front of a mirror does help and makes it a lot easier.

Packaging, maintenance, and how to store
The collar came in a little plastic baggie, stickered and tagged. You can basically store the collar anywhere and not worry about it, though I personally wouldn't put it in especially damp places. You can put it in a drawer, keep it in a closet, but make sure that it occasionally gets some breathing time. If the collar gets dirty, simply wipe it down with a damp towel to clean it off.

Extra comments and performance
This has become my favorite collar (for myself, of course; I'd never put something of this caliber on my little girl). For as long as I can remember—since I was a young child, actually—I had wanted a collar like this one. High-quality leather, huge spikes, with an intimidating look that's suitable for dominants and fetish-enthusiasts alike; it's an absolutely beautiful collar that's made well. I cannot say enough to say how much I love this collar from Leatherbeaten.

product picture
Collar by Leatherbeaten
Material: Metal / Leather
Safety:
This product was provided free of charge to the reviewer.

Eden Café: The Big, Bad Banner Contest

0 comments
Hello, everyone. This is just a short post to promote Eden Café's new contest, The Big, Bad Banner Contest. For just adding some of their banners to your blog and posting about the contest on either Blogger, Facebook, or Twitter, you can be entered into the contest for...Njoy products. Yes, that's right—the most beautiful, lusted-over pieces of stainless steel. So go on over to Eden Café to enter to win!

No More Little Girl

2 comments
How could daddy be any less pleased than when he's dressing his little one up? Pulling knee-high socks over thin legs, ruffled panties with white and pink lace over her meaty bottom, tiered-dress with puffy sleeves zipped up her tiny back—that's what daddy loves. When he's holding her around her waist, giggles coming out of slightly spread lips, embarrassed little girl, sweet little girl; when he's combing his fingers through that thin, curly hair that only children have, kissing her cheek and whispering, "I love you, my beautiful girl." How could daddy be any less pleased than when she's sitting in his lap, being a good little girl, just playing with her toys on his chest?

Daddy isn't so pleased with her when she says no to him. Defiant, disobedient, bad little girl. How could baby girl forget? How could she forget her daddy, what she means to him? How could daddy be any less unhappy? Little girl isn't being so good; she isn't being so nice anymore. When daddy only wants to hold her, cuddle her, snuggle her, love her, she pushes him away and whines, whines to leave her alone and go away. "I only want to hold you, little girl. Come here, sit in my lap." But no, daddy, she doesn't want to sit in daddy's lap anymore. She's a big girl now, daddy—she wants bigger, better things.

How could daddy be any less happy than when his little girl crawls into his lap, nips at his fingers and nuzzles his hand? He pulls a collar around her neck, presses his lips to her there, and slides two of his fingers into her mouth, her eager tongue wrapping around them, her lips moving against them, sucking him in and out, in and out. Daddy was always pleased when she did that to him, when she made him feel that way. He whispers, "That's a good girl...very good," and she stays in his arms that night, lays her head on daddy's chest and snuggles him, hands clasped around his upper arm, keeping them around her so that she can feel safe.

But little girl doesn't need daddy anymore. What person needs their daddy when they're a grown adult? Going to work every day, she needs no father to control her, no father to give her rules or stupid chores. She's a big girl now, and she tells him that every day, that she's a big girl, daddy, she understands. She's a big girl, daddy, she doesn't need you to tell her that. Pushing him away, slamming the door behind her, she says that she wants to go out and see the world, she wants to experience life without daddy. She doesn't want you holding her hand anymore, little girl doesn't need that. She needs to be alone. Alone. Away from her father, her daddy.

After all that daddy taught her, showed her of himself, she leaves him, picks up her things and says, "Goodbye, you are not my father anymore. Do not call me again, I'm not your little girl." But oh, he is. Daddy will always be her father, like she will always be his little girl. Daddy will always be waiting, no matter how unhappy little girl makes him, no matter how much she pushes him away. Daddy knows that she needs him there, knows that little girl will not survive without him. So he takes her suitcase, her car keys, throws them on the floor and picks her up into his arms, kissing the side of her head as she cries. Daddy drops little girl on the bed, wraps blankets around her body and wraps his arms around her again, never letting go. He kisses her face, her neck, her arms, her ears, whispering to her, soothing little girl so that she'll stop crying. Daddy holds her, and sighs.

Little girl leaves for good the next day. Daddy calls her, every five minutes for the next week, and she never picks up. After a month, her cell phone is disconnected. Five months pass, and he received the new phone book, immediately looking her up and not finding her. He calls mutual friends; they haven't heard from her since before she left. After a year, her stuffed animals accumulate dust. Daddy looks around their home, picking up some things and putting them away, putting all of her toys in a bag to go to charity. Then he sits down on their couch, sighs to himself, and turns on the telly, news report of a young lady who jumped from a building, little girl who committed suicide. Little girl who left daddy forever, never coming back. "Goodbye, daddy," she said, "you'll never see me again. I promise."
Eden Cafe SponsoredTweets referral badge
Copyright © The Art of Lovemaking