Knife play is a BDSM activity that involves blades (knives, swords, or daggers, for example) as a means of producing physical and mental stimulation. A knife can be used to subdue a submissive, cut off clothing or bondage, scrape off wax from wax play, or be heated or cooled for temperature play. Knife play is often used in dominant/submissive scenes in which the dominant uses the knife as a form of consensual power and control over the submissive.
Because knives are inherently dangerous, they can produce an adrenaline response, which can make play more intense. Those who enjoy knife play also say that the sense of danger they invoke can help them achieve complete submission to their dominant. Knife play can lead to blood play, but knife play typically does not involve breaking the skin.