Handcuffs

For all handcuff fetishists

Handcuffs have become a part of the collective conscience when it comes to kink. Whether they're the pink fluffy kind that snaps open and closed or the police-issue variety complete with a rigid middle section, they're as much a symbol as they are a sex toy. That doesn't mean they aren't a great addition to your kinky arsenal, however; there's something beautiful about hearing them snap on and knowing you couldn't wriggle out of them however hard you tried.

As with all things, there are a couple of safety concerns. It's important to keep the key close by, and it's also vital that you don't use cheap 'novelty' handcuffs for bondage purposes; these can slip further closed around the wrist and cut off the blood supply, potentially causing damage.

Is it legal to own handcuffs in the UK?

There is nothing in law to say it is legal or illegal but you must have a good reason for having them. So using them in the bedroom for sexual purposes is fine, having them in a bag with other sex toys is probably okay but carrying them on your person can lead to problems as they can count as a weapon or you could be in trouble for impersonating a police officer.

What is a handcuff fetish?

A sexual arousal at the sight or thought of handcuffs, often connected to being submissive and enjoying someone else being in control.

How do you use handcuffs safely?

Most importantly make sure you keep any key safe and to hand in case the person locked up needs to be released. Check they aren’t too tight and if the person wearing them feels numbness or tingling remove them immediately.

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For the more advanced bondage play

Bondage comes in many forms, and shackling is one of the most iconic. Metal shackles are attached to the walls of many dungeons, playrooms and party spaces--and they can take a bit of a pounding, making them a great choice for keeping stronger and more feisty submissives under control! They can be used on the wrists or the ankles, and in some cases are suitable for extended periods of confinement--assuming, of course, you're communicating with the person you've got locked up all the time, and you know how they're doing. If you get a chance to try shackling, it can be well worth it for the aesthetic potential alone.

Spice things up with some kinky sex toys

If you've never used a vibrator, you should try one out - no matter what your gender identity or genital configuration. They can open up whole new worlds of pleasure and experimentation, and many people find them a fantastic way to get to know themselves sexually a little bit better. They're far from the only sex toy out there in sex shops, though. If you're interested in cock rings, sex dolls, dildos, butt plugs, Fleshlights, nipple clamps or any other stimulating object, Fetish.com is a great place to start - our forums are full of advice for first-time experimenters, and our magazine section has plenty of interesting and illuminating reviews.

Torture, S&M and other bondage ideas

Bondage is one of the most famous and best known aspects of S&M and BDSM play, and not without reason. Being tied up is a glorious sensation for the right person, and the control inherent in being the person doing the tying can give a dominant partner a heady rush. Ball gags are also commonly used. Sometimes bondage is there primarily to enhance a roleplay scenario; sometimes it's almost an art form, especially when it comes to rope bondage. Other times it's just to make clear the dynamic and have some fun with each other. Whatever your reasons for indulging, make sure you're doing so safely. Learn some knots that don't tighten under pressure and always keep a pair of shears to hand in case you need to release your partner in a hurry.