Edgeplay

BDSM actions that are deemed dangerous but are nevertheless voluntarily engaged in for the goals of arousal, stimulation, and pleasure are referred to as edgeplay, sometimes spelled edge play.

Dossie Easton and Janet W. Hardy's "The New Topping Book," a popular BDSM resource, defines edgeplay as "the edge of the cliff that looks over your personal abyss, where things start to feel risky, where you start to feel vulnerable."

Stated differently, edgeplay is a subjective concept that varies from scene to scene and from person to person. However, the majority of edgeplay involves a greater degree of risk on the physical, mental, and/or emotional levels.

The following play styles are frequently regarded as edgeplay:

  • Barebacking
  • Play with blood
  • Playing breath
  • Breeding
  • Consensual refusal to consent
  • Sadism on an emotional level
  • Playing Fear
  • Findom
  • Play with fire
  • Orgasms that are forced
  • Takedowns and Abductions
  • Playing with a knife
  • Denial of orgasm
  • Engage in Play Piercing
  • Rope play, with a focus on suspensions
  • Orgasms ruined
  • Scat play
  • Exchange of Total Power
  • Waterboarding and/or water torture
  • Sports on the water
  • Playing with wax

Sex educators on TikTok began criticizing edgeplay taught by creators on the platform in 2020, claiming that only knowledgeable and experienced kinksters should engage in these sophisticated types of play. At the very least, it is both usual and necessary to have a great deal of debate and negotiation before any scene.

However, it's crucial to remember that edgeplay activities are sophisticated pursuits requiring both physical prowess and knowledge of the psychology involved. Before attempting more complex forms of play, it's a good idea at least to have a strong base of kinky play and activities. Only after getting in-person, practical instruction from another kinkster who is proficient in edgeplay activities do the majority of kink educators advise engaging in edgeplay activities.

Despite having a similar sound to edging, edgeplay is an entirely different kind of play. The term "edging" describes getting a partner (or oneself) to the brink of orgasm and then backing off to provide a more intense release when the orgasm eventually occurs, whereas edgeplay entails pushing or being pushed to an emotional and/or physical limit.

A less frequent use of the term "edgeplay" is to describe play involving a sharp instrument, such as a sword or knife.

Why Do People Enjoy Edgeplay?

There are several reasons why people like playing edge games.

Edgeplay has the potential to unveil a new level of intimacy for long-term partners. Compared to many other forms of kinks, edgeplay activities demand a higher degree of trust, communication, and understanding. In addition to enhancing a sexual encounter, this can foster intimacy and trust.

Couples who participate heavily in BDSM communities may also be motivated to seek out new forms of intimacy. Edgeplay frequently incorporates specialized kinks that aren't taught or practiced elsewhere, giving seasoned kinksters the "novelty" that most people strive for in their sexual lives.

Endorphins, which heighten pleasure and even contribute to an increase in general well-being, are released when fear and excitement develop during an edgeplay scene that tests a person's limitations.

In other situations, kink falls under the edgeplay category. Similar to how a blindfold can turn someone on, weapons and water sports can turn someone else on. The kinkster in this situation might not consider these kinks to be "edgeplay"; instead, they might consider them to be their typical fixation. Even though edgeplay is something you regularly fantasize about, it's crucial for anyone participating in an activity to keep in mind the potential risks to one's bodily, mental, and emotional health.

More About Edgeplay

Edgeplay necessitates that partners have a deep and abiding confidence in one another. In scenes where safewords have been eliminated (another type of edgeplay), a Top must always be aware of whether their Bottom can manage the kind of play being employed. For this reason, prior BDSM experience is advised!

It is crucial that the receiving partner can effectively convey their capabilities and the desire to stop if necessary and that the partner in charge has the talents needed to manage the situation (BDSM requires practice). Risk-aware consensual kink (RACK), a concept that can guide BDSM play, involves understanding and accepting risk. To guarantee that consent is maintained throughout stressful scenarios, a safeword and/or signals are also crucial.

Before engaging in edgeplay kinks, many kink educators advise talking about disposable income, mental health insurance, and physical health insurance. Anyone engaging in these quirks must understand their financial situation before beginning, as they have a higher chance of requiring medical attention. This may be a cause to approach an edgeplay kink with even greater levels of caution and awareness, particularly in areas where medical assistance is highly prohibitively expensive.

Watch out for submissives who assert they have no boundaries and dominants who claim they can engage in any edge behavior. Both mindsets have the potential to cause long-term psychological and bodily harm.