confessions of a gear slut

Hello, my name is Michael, and I'm a gear slut.

I'm a collector of BDSM gear and other adult products.  Some might say I'm out of control, that collecting BDSM gear has become an obsession, a hobby that's nearly as important to me as the actual BDSM acts and scenes I love so dearly.

I'm not sure.  I can tell you that it's so bad that vendors and manufacturers are getting to know me personally.

A couple smaller vendors like Adam and Gillian's Sensual Whips and Toys have long ago become like friends to me.  After talking to Gillian on the phone to their workshop, and exchanging multiple emails, not to mention sharing a hobby, how could I not feel the tugs of some kind of kinship?

Similar friendships are likely to be built with other craftsmen and craftswomen I am frequenting more and more over time.  I've very much enjoyed shopping from the couples behind Wyred Slave (great folk by the way!) and Happy Tails Floggers and Whips.  I'm sure I'll be talking more to them both in 2012.

I've gotten to know the folks over at Tantus well enough that Serafina and I got a personal Christmas Card from one of their management team, who we hope to meet in person when vacationing in 2012.  We are also planning to tour their production facility at the same time.  

I'm pretty sure that so many packages have been delivered from Mr S Leather and The Stockroom through my local post office that the clerks there have been curious enough to google the corporate return address on the packages.  I can't find any other explanation for the knowing looks and the sudden change to addressing me sharply as "Sir"!

I've exchanged a few emails with the Brand Manager of Liberator.  Twisted Monk is a Facebook friend for both Serafina and myself.  I'm friends with Maui Kink folk over on FetLife.  And, I'm still seeking new BDSM vendors and manufacturers to add to my "stable" of friends and suppliers.  

After exchanging some emails with the Tetruss bondage suspension rig, Serafina and I have discovered an interesting and thoughtful individual.  We have purchased one of his rigs for ourselves, and we'll be writing it up here at SpiritualBDSM in 2012 as a product review.  

My collection of restraints is extensive, but everything in the collection predated my relationship with Serafina.  She has embraced her slavery so completely and fully, I felt as though she deserved to have a set of regular restraints that had never been worn by any other.  Meaning, Canada's Aslan Leather gear will get a thorough review here in 2012.  I've ordered a complete set of their Master Series Restraints for Serafina in purple - wrist, waist, thigh, and ankle restraints, including a matching collar.  

I'd really like to make another similar restraint order later in 2012 from Sinvention, yet another Canadian supplier of BDSM gear.  I'd love to match this years Aslan restraint order for comparison purposes (wrist, waist, etc.) from Sinvention's Classic Deluxe line, and I've also been eyeing their line of medical style restraint.

I'm still lusting after a few more pieces of E-Stim (electro-sex) gear too.  I'm planning for 2012 to bring purchases from Eros Tek as well as Paradise Electro Stimulations.  Serafina and I are just exploring this territory, but she's finding it very exciting.  I suppose watching video from our subscription to Wired Pussy isn't hurting there . . . 

So, by the time I've finished listing all of these purchases, all of my obsessions, it all leads what might be called "Confessions of a Gear Slut."  As I've said before, my name is Michael, and I'm a gear slut!  

Funny thing is, I don't have any particularly strong individual fetishes. I mean I love latex, PVC, and leather; blindfolds and gags are a turn on for me; I have a thing for bondage and restraint; corporal punishment and discipline can fuel my fire; and, there's at least a little bit of a sadist in me.  But none of those alone are a singular driving force.  

I simply just love it all!

Maybe it would be easier if I only loved one aspect of BDSM play, if perhaps I had a single true fetish that drove my desires it would be easier to be satisfied with what I've collected.  I can't help wondering . . . 

Ahhh, probably not.  

If I was a latex fetishist there'd always be one more piece I wanted, or needed.  Were I simply into leather, I'm sure the story would be the same, one more belt or pair of chaps, a new leather shirt.  

12 steps

So here I am.  I've apparently entered territory where I should be starting some kind of twelve-step program for folks like myself.  I can't be alone with this problem.

If all of this seems a little dire, not to worry, I'm anything but despondent about my "problem."  You see I have one other issue to tackle first, as there are times I'm at least a little bit of a procrastinator.  Quite obviously that problem will need to be dealt with first.

Looks like I won't get around to starting that Gear Slut Support Group until at least 2013.  That gives me plenty of time to take advantage of at least one more sale.  To make just one more buy . . . 

SpiritualBDSM.com is an affiliate partner to Tantus, the Stockroom, and Mr-S-Leather - however no links in this post carry any affiliate code - all images and logos associated with this post are property of their original company and respective owners who retain all copyright - use of these images does not imply endorsement of SpiritualBDSM.com by their original owners

The Collar I Wear

In a relationship often symbols matter.  

Most people seal their significance with a wedding ceremony where the couple exchange rings, as they promise to stay faithful and true to each other.

Symbols and vows can certainly be made in complete privacy.  Some even live together all their life without the ritual wedding in harmony because of their understanding with one another.

A rite is an established form of religious or otherwise solemn practice.  A ritual is a prescribed form for carrying out the ceremonies associated with such a practice (both from Latinritus 'ceremony')  There are many reasons for creating such. . it may be that their children will have a single name, or it could be that personal and spiritual convictions dictate compliance.

It is also a public "brand" that states "I am not available, I am committed to another"

In our own path Master Samadhi and I were in a relationship for a time before any formal display could be considered.. Our circumstances were such that they disallowed  a wedding.  Once we had removed the obstacles and overcame our barricades, we were married by a Unitarian minister and we sealed our vows with matching white gold rings. And, we honour each other  and we wear them faithfully every day and night.

Master later asked me to help find a collar that would be suitable to wear everyday.  After much searching we settled on this 4mm one from Wyred Slave . the description from their own site follows.  You can see here that there is a screw locking mechanism that is set by a special allen key.

Wraith Band Collars are one of our simplest, yet most effective designs and are hand crafted from fine stainless steel rope which complements the polished aluminium Wraith Lock to create a stunning yet individual item of jewellery.
The bands are available in a selection of guages/widths from fine 4mm (approx) through to a heavy looking, yet light to wear, 9mm.

It is simple, easy to wear and does not interfere with anything.  it is accessible able and Master Samadhi also purchased the ring attachment from them.  There is a minor draw-back in that it does catch and pull out about 20 or so hairs a day, but otherwise  is easy to clean in the bath or shower, I take time to dry the collar completely.  Sometimes I will give it a swipe with rubbing alcohol to ensure no bacteria build-up occurs and to prevent problems with my skin as it is fairly sensitive.

Master placed it on me with a personal and private ceremony.  I had to cross an international border, so not needing or wanting any attention from authorities Master and I reluctantly removed it for a time.

I like the fact that one can add adapted accessories: only with Master's permission, of course!  I found this piece which I think is adorable, and meaningful.

Master Michael says --  I love the collar I've placed around Serafina's neck to display my ownership, to mark her as my property, my slave/wife.
Finding an appropriate collar that is permanent but still dressy enough for every day wear in the vanilla world was not a simple task.  Fortunately, the folks at Wyred Slave had the same problem, and saw a business opportunity.
The collar, as you can see for yourself, is very pretty.  The O-ring feature can be added or removed at will.  It's addition really dresses the piece up, to make sure the collar's intent is perfectly clear - slave collar!  As I stated in my prior review of Wyred Slave as a vendor, their customer service is outstanding and very personable.
The only downside we've discovered in several months of wear is the issue of hair being caught in the weave of the collar.  But, there are a myriad of solutions for such a minor issue.
For instance, I know that there's a gentleman in Seattle named Twisted Monk who has a fetish for shaving women's heads, he's personable, attractive, and he's a sex worker.  If we are ever travelling towards the Pacific Northwest, I might have to see if his fetish can resolve my wife's problem.  What fun that would be to watch!
Here's Master's take on the slave collar from Wyred Slave condensed to 5 words:

1. beautiful

1. delicious

1. versatile

1. captivating

1. enslaved

That says it all!

Yes, Master, I bet we could work something out. . . LOL

 Your Serafina!



DISCLAIMER - SpiritualBDSM.com and it's owners (Michael Samadhi and Serafina Samadhi) are not associated or affiliated with Wyred Slave or wyredslave.com in any manner.  We have not received any compensation or consideration in return for this posting.  


All images within this post are property of SpiritualBDSM.com - © 2011 Serafina Samadhi.

vendor - WyredSlave.com

In the BDSM community a submissive's collar is a very potent and meaningful symbol.

Some would equate the collar's meaning as being similar to a wedding ring in significance.  It could be argued that a submissive's collar is, in fact, more significant than a wedding band, as it signals a level of commitment far beyond what is experienced or expected in most traditional marriages.

So why is it that wedding bands are made to be a permanent symbol of a couple's love, but there's no similar standard for the collars that adorn a submissive?

When will we see collars that reflect the importance of their symbolism, with an equal measure of permanence, beauty, and quality in their construction?

Yes, I've discovered there is a real answer to what previously would have been rhetorical questions.  The answer is - Wyred Slave.

The fine folks over at Wyred Slave produce slave collars that are both beautiful and permanent.  Just like a wedding band, a Wyred Slave Collar can be worn everyday, all the time.  Their collars look great, lock securely, and are still discrete enough to wear out and about in front of family, neighbors, and friends.

Did I mention that Wyred Slave collars are also made of hypoallergenic materials?  Yes, that is true too.

We really have discovered a beautiful collar that's not afraid of showers and shampoos.  It won't discolor, or corrode.  Those are not details to be overlooked lightly, especially for an individual like my Serafina who's skin reacts poorly with most metals.  

We are talking uber cool slave collars . . .

So, here's the Wyred Slave story in their own words:

Wyred Slave is run by a life-style couple who have many combined years experience in our chosen world.

Wyred Slave started life when we searched thoroughly but failed to find a collar to suit our needs.  We were looking for a locking metal collar that not only didn't cost a mortgage payment, but if it was affordable didn't then fall apart within minutes.

It had to not only look good and be functional as a collar, but also be discrete enough to wear on a daily basis in front of family and friends.

Finally it also had to be kind to skin and not bring out a nasty rash when worn for long periods of time... I usually only have to look at some metals and can react badly! 

Obviously we struggled... so we made one of our own.

We realised there must be other people out there looking for the same thing... so we started with the basic criteria: good looking, affordable, wearable designs that have an excellent reputation for being well-made.... and up to the job.

The first collar design to be made was the 4mm Plain Band... which was picked up by one of our (now) regular customers who showed it to a southern lifestyle company called Him n Hers.

They liked the product so much they ordered some for their website. 

At that point we didn't even have a business name let alone a name for the range despite them already selling on ebay and through word of mouth.

After much discussion and a spark of creativity we decided to call ourselves Wyred Slave. The wyred is two-fold... our original design was using metal rope - or wire - and we live on the Wyre Coast - so here we are

The couple that are Wyred Slave, Jason and Lorii, are a true joy to work with when making a purchase.

A metal collar of this sort is a piece of precision jewelry, proper fit is essential, and it was very clear from our own shopping experience that Lorii will check and double check an order's details to make sure it is 100% correct before it goes to Jason's workbench.

In addition to a number of different styles of collars, Wyred Slave also offers wrist and ankle cuffs, as well as beautiful waist belts, that are a perfect match for their collars.

Want a matching leash or lead?  They make those too.

There's even a line of delicately engraved items, presentation tins, and other accessories, all of it very beautiful, custom designed, and made to order.

Wyred Slave may be located in the U.K., but international orders aren't any problem either.  A good percentage of their business comes from "across the pond", so they are experienced and efficient in shipping orders to the U.S. and worldwide.

Serafina absolutely loves her Wyred Slave collar.  We put it on for a test fit three months ago, and it never made it back off of her neck until she had to travel internationally last week.  Not knowing how authorities might react to an item that can't easily be removed, she reluctantly removed the collar.

Now, before I lock it back around her neck, I can have my slave/wife shoot some of our own pictures to accompany it's upcoming toychest review here at Spiritual BDSM.

DISCLAIMER - Michael and Serafina Samadhi are not associated or affiliated with Wyred Slave in any manner, shape, or form.  We have not, and do not expect to receive any compensation or consideration in return for this posting.  We are simply satisfied customers who wish to share our experiences with friends and readers of this blog.  

All images associated with this post are property of Wyred Slave.  Images are used here for demonstration and review purposes only.

letter to Wyred Slave - makers of my slave/wife's permanent collar

Dear Wyred Slave,

The collar is very beautiful and we are absolutely thrilled with our purchase, thank you very much!

We've started a blog about our life as a Master/slave husband and wife and intend to detail our purchase of a collar from you in a post very soon. The site's URL is http://spiritualbdsm.com/. I plan to send you a link to the post(s) about the collar you crafted for us once I've managed to shoot some pictures and write a glowing description of Wyred Slave.

We do plan to order more from you in the near future, as my wife/slave has requested a wrist and/or ankle bracelet to match her collar. I haven't told her yet, but I am also eyeing a locking belt as the picture of a locking belt over a corset on your site has given me inspiration!

I just wanted to say thank you again for the wonderful collar, it's a true pleasure doing business with you.

Sincere regards,

Michael Samadhi