do you have any advice/resources for safe knife and bloodplay? feel free to disregard this if you don't but reliable info is very sparse
Full disclosure, I have only done a few, very tame knifeplay / bloodplay scenes with Bonnie. We are still in the process of researching ways to be safe while playing, but I can share what I have found so far. However, I am not a medical expert, a professional dominant, or anything like that, this is only what I have found out in our kinky journey so far. In general, here is my notes on knifeplay.
１. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Even if you are not planning on drawing blood, when playing with sharp objects, always be prepared for the worst case scenario. It is better to have medical supplies and not need them than to need them and not have them. There is always the small possibility that something will go wrong, even if you are doing your best to be safe. Write down numbers for emergency services in your area. As a basic starting point, I would recommend purchasing a bleeding control kit. You can find lots of good, cheap ones on amazon, and it will have basically everything you need in an emergency situation. Here is my personal checklist for emergency supplies. Watch first aid videos on how to stop bleeding before play. This is the video that I have saved in my safety document for emergencies, and here are my personal notes on bleeding control. Also be familiar with your partner's medical history. Do they have any kind of conditions that would affect their blood clotting? Are there old wounds, surgery sites, or areas with chronic pain that should be avoided? You should also be familiar with the major arteries in the body. The place that me and Bonnie personally feel is the safest to cut is the back. The throat, shoulders, wrists, and thighs are risky to cut and hold a knife near because of the arteries in them.
２. CHOOSE A BODY-SAFE KNIFE
Your knife should be a high-carbon steel knife, which the majority of knives are. Research the differences in carbon steel and stainless steel knives, they have differences in being resistant to rust and maintaining an edge, so pick what works for your preferences. Chrome or gold plating should be avoided, since it has the possibility of pieces of plating chipping off and lodging inside a cut. Additionally, knives with chips in the blade should not be used, because metal may break off into the wound. Inspect your blade before use to make sure the edge is clean. Knives with serrated edges are generally advised to be avoided for the same reason, but it should be alright as long as you are not cutting with the serrated edge. It is generally a good idea to avoid double-edged blades like daggers if you are a beginner. It is easier to manage one dangerous side than two. Make sure the blade is secure. Your blade should not wobble or be loose, if you're purchasing knives, a full tang knife will generally be the most secure. Make sure the handle is comfortable and will not slip out of your hand. Keep your blade either very sharp or very dull. If your blade is some-what sharp, you run the risk of your cuts being unpredictable, sloppy, and dangerous. Your knife should be super sharp if you're drawing blood, or too dull to cut skin if you're just teasing with it. Also, sanitize your blade and the area(s) you are going to use it on before play. Personally, I soak my knives in hydrogen peroxide and use alcohol wipes on skin.
３. BE REALISTIC, KNOW BOTH YOUR LIMITS
It may be really tempting to jump into knifeplay with a huge, scary bowie knife, but if you're just starting out with knifeplay, this may not be a fantastic idea. Generally what I've seen recommended with beginners is a 3"-4" blade, because it will allow you the most control and precision over your cuts. I've also seen it recommended to have a dull "show" knife, like a huge sexy bowie, for teasing, then swap out a smaller, more precise knife for actually cutting skin. Also, if you're teasing with a knife around those dangerous areas- like throat, thighs, etc- consider flipping your knife to press the unsharpened edge of the blade to the skin. It's safer, and if your partner really won't be able to tell, especially if they are blindfolded. It's important to know your partner's limits as well. If they are afraid of knives, it may be in their best interest to restrain them. A wiggly partner may pose a safety risk, so be sure to discuss this with them. Also, training knives or prop knives are a requirement for scenes where your sub is going to be struggling, like cnc scenes. If your sub is fighting back, do not use a real knife. I also cannot recommend period sex enough. It's free blood that does not endanger your partner at all if you have a partner that has a menstrual cycle.
４. AFTERCARE IS ESSENTIAL
You must treat all wounds after playing. Even if they are not "severe", disinfect them and practice basic first aid. Here are my notes on general first aid. Emotional aftercare is also mandatory, but this is more personal to you and your partner. This is preached so heavily within the BDSM community so I won't go into too much detail, but make sure you do not neglect your partner after a scene.
IN CONCLUSION
Again, I must stress, I am no professional, these are just the notes I have so far. I am absolutely open to any kind of commentary or feedback. Do your own research before engaging in knifeplay and bloodplay, but I hope this can serve as a starting point for you.
Resources on safely harming other people are definitely hard to come by, but consider looking at non-kink resources for help. Medical sources can help with preparedness for first aid, help educate on potentially fatal areas like arteries. Resources on piercings and body mods can help with intentional scarring and body-safe metals. Here, here, and here are the online resources I have saved. Stay kinky and stay safe my friends.