Tickling... Tools?

[Azrael]

I seem to be a part of an ever-waning minority which prefers a lack of tools when tickling someone, aside from restraints, blindfolds, etc. (and not necessarily those, at that). I may find the occasional bit of humor in the use of brushes, or feathers, or pens, or what-have-you, assuming they even work... but, by and large, I like the feeling of warm skin. Tickling using fingers, and nibbling, and verbal teasing to make it that much worse, strikes me as being more enjoyable, more personal, and so on. I can be playful, but in the end, tickling is to some extent intimate, whether it be between "just friends" or otherwise (that statement is meant to reflect my personal leanings, not an overall "fact").

Using a brush or a feather or somesuch to cause the desired sensation strikes me as being remarkably similar to getting into bed with a beautiful woman... and then penetrating her with a dildo. I.e., something I might do if (a) I was in a very unusual, very playful mood, once in a blue moon, or (b) there was something wrong with the corresponding part of my anatomy. It's something that just strikes me as being anti-intimate.

Does anyone else feel like this? Or, for that matter, disagree strongly? I'm curious as to what feedback might be out there on this subject. The few times that I've actually tried using tools, after much encouragement to do so, it was mildly amusing... but I rather quickly discarded them. And, truthfully, I get better reactions without them (for the most part). I realize that for many people, tickling is probably enjoyed on an entirely different level, and as such this feeling might not apply; some might also not require direct physical contact for a feeling of intimacy, I'm assuming.

(I should also add that, given the nature of why I dislike the use of such things--a lack of personal connection, of intimacy--I am not opposed to the use of oils, lotions, etc. to make a 'lee more sensitive, nor do I have any issues with bondage; the heightened sensation resulting from an inability to move and, possibly, an inability to see, can make things just that much more interesting).

 

[minerva]

There is only one thing I can say to that: I wholeheartedly agree 🙂
I don't really believe you're part of an ever-waning minority though - at least I don't hope so.

 

[isabeau]

i like some toys..such as combs, pens, hummingbirds and the like....and bondage is preferable for me, as i fight...but nothing is as devastating as teeth scraping on the soles of my feet...yikessssssssssss..feathers only work on my upper body..such as neck, nose, ears...a comb, when run really fast, tickles like crazy....

 

[LindyHopper]

I wholeheartedly disagree with your perspective on tickling tools. 🙂 For me, a cleverly-wielded feather, mascara brush, or vibrator tickles me more than mere human fingers ever could. 😛 It's not that I don't like finger-tickling, and the intimacy of the physical contact is one of the reasons why. It's just that the tickling sensations themselves are more powerful with tools.

Using a brush or a feather or somesuch to cause the desired sensation strikes me as being remarkably similar to getting into bed with a beautiful woman... and then penetrating her with a dildo. I.e., something I might do if (a) I was in a very unusual, very playful mood, once in a blue moon, or (b) there was something wrong with the corresponding part of my anatomy. It's something that just strikes me as being anti-intimate.

I'm going to continue with your analogy... and I hope that you'll believe me when I say that I don't intend to be insulting, even though that's definitely how it's going to sound! 😱 Please accept my apologies in advance. 😛

I adore straight-up lovemaking, with its shared pleasure and intimacy. But I also think it's great when a sexual act is defined by the giving of pleasure, not by the taking of it. I've had many absolutely mindblowing good times with lovers who focused on me with their hands, tongues, or toys. The intimacy of the session, for them, was in causing my pleasure - it didn't matter what body parts or tools they used to do it. And let's face it - the average penis just can't move with the energy, stamina, and dexterity that fingers, tongues, or toys can - that's a biological reality. The generous lover who's interested in pleasuring a woman for a loooooooooooong time doesn't rely on his penis to get the job done. On the other hand, I've also had lovers who seemed most interested in getting their dicks inside me. Those times were much less intimate, to me, than the sessions that focused on turn-taking pleasure instead.

Reconnecting the concept with tickling... I'm not saying that all finger-dominant ticklers are selfish (italicized for emphasis, so please don't flame me!). But I definitely do not want to get the impression that "copping a feel" is more important to my tickler than tickling me in the most effective way. Since tools are what work best on me, a 'ler who refuses to use what modern technology provides is, essentially, communicating that he cares more about touching me than about tickling me. And that's not cool.

To reiterate - everyone has what works best for them, and I'm not criticizing your method in any way. I'm just trying to offer a different POV on the matter.

 

[Dianatklee]

You can't beat fingers but sometimes tools are a fun surprise or change of pace. I think everyone knows how to use their fingers but not all ticklers know how to use tools at least that seems to be in case.

 

[lespieds]

For me, I tend to be pretty conventional with this -
I just enjoy a woman's long nails. They seem dangerous and powerful.
I don't care if they are real or fake.

 

[LindyHopper]

I think everyone knows how to use their fingers but not all ticklers know how to use tools at least that seems to be in case.

That's probably true, just as it's true that more men know how to use their penises than know how to wield a vibrator. But the sophisticated tickler, like the skilled lover, is willing to learn. 😎

 

[Dianatklee]

That's probably true, just as it's true that more men know how to use their penises than know how to wield a vibrator. But the sophisticated tickler, like the skilled lover, is willing to learn. 😎

They are out there?

 

[Thanatos]

I support getting the 'lee to beg for mercy by any means possible - fingers, tools, grilled cheese sandwiches, whatever - as long as there is uncontrollable laughter, it's all good!

 

[Illtcklu]

I was shown a tool recently. But enough about him!

Actually a certain someone on this forum introduced me to a certian tool that I became rather fond of.................She was even kind enough to let me use it on her, and purchased one for me to keep!!!


To this lovely lady I say thank you!!!!!!!

 

[indivision]

I think tools are cool...when used sparingly. Honestly, I like to see a hairbrush used to tickle the feet, and the thought of someone being able to use a feather to tickle someone is exhilarating. But, you need to use fingers, too. I think so, anyway.

 

[Illtcklu]

I think tools are cool...when used sparingly. Honestly, I like to see a hairbrush used to tickle the feet, and the thought of someone being able to use a feather to tickle someone is exhilarating. But, you need to use fingers, too. I think so, anyway.

It's like conducting a symphony, the pace must change and so should the instruments. Fingers are very effective. Some tools make a low hum which can give away their surprise. I just compenste by not using the tool right away. The anticipation drives them all wild.

But always remember. READ your 'lee'. Watch the reactions.... for safety reasons, as well as just for fun. Remember it isn't just about the 'ler' and it isn't just about the 'lee'.

Moral of the story:

Tools or not the basics alway apply.

 

[Musicroxmysox]

It's like conducting a symphony, the pace must change and so should the instruments.

Please it's tempo, thats the correct word.

But anyway I think that tickling is best when there is a combination of things since each produces a different sensation. Fingers a good but sometimes other things used in the right way can be better.

 

[Azrael]

I wholeheartedly disagree with your perspective on tickling tools. 🙂 For me, a cleverly-wielded feather, mascara brush, or vibrator tickles me more than mere human fingers ever could. 😛 It's not that I don't like finger-tickling, and the intimacy of the physical contact is one of the reasons why. It's just that the tickling sensations themselves are more powerful with tools.

I can certainly understand that, if the last point is the case.

I'm going to continue with your analogy... and I hope that you'll believe me when I say that I don't intend to be insulting, even though that's definitely how it's going to sound! 😱 Please accept my apologies in advance. 😛

I'm not insulted, but I don't think you got the point of my analogy.

I adore straight-up lovemaking, with its shared pleasure and intimacy. But I also think it's great when a sexual act is defined by the giving of pleasure, not by the taking of it. I've had many absolutely mindblowing good times with lovers who focused on me with their hands, tongues, or toys.

My point was simply, that when there's a tool between my skin and her skin (whoever she might be) the intimacy factor, for me, is reduced. I was making a contrast between using one's self, and using tools, not focusing specifically upon actual intercourse or genitalia. I myself enjoy nibbling and using my hands immensely... I believe that was rather closely tied to my whole point for posting in the first place 😉 ... and I'm inclined to agree that my partner's pleasure is of the utmost importance to me. I want very much for the woman I'm with to enjoy our time together to the utmost.

The intimacy of the session, for them, was in causing my pleasure - it didn't matter what body parts or tools they used to do it.

An interesting viewpoint. I'll have to give that one more thought. I don't believe, though, that my statement really had anything to do with who's giving, or who's taking; my focus is simply on the fact (again, fact regarding my leanings only, not "in general") that physical contact without things "in between" is critical to intimacy.

And let's face it - the average penis just can't move with the energy, stamina, and dexterity that fingers, tongues, or toys can - that's a biological reality. The generous lover who's interested in pleasuring a woman for a loooooooooooong time doesn't rely on his penis to get the job done. On the other hand, I've also had lovers who seemed most interested in getting their dicks inside me. Those times were much less intimate, to me, than the sessions that focused on turn-taking pleasure instead.

In and of itself, I'd have to agree wholeheartedly with all that you just said 🙂

Reconnecting the concept with tickling... I'm not saying that all finger-dominant ticklers are selfish (italicized for emphasis, so please don't flame me!). But I definitely do not want to get the impression that "copping a feel" is more important to my tickler than tickling me in the most effective way. Since tools are what work best on me, a 'ler who refuses to use what modern technology provides is, essentially, communicating that he cares more about touching me than about tickling me. And that's not cool.

Does being touched, the actual skin-on-skin contact, mean anything to you in and of itself, whether or not tickling is involved? Is there any sort of gulf or gap between the atmosphere present when tools are being used, and that present when it's mostly touching, assuming that you're not simply with a selfish partner..?

To reiterate - everyone has what works best for them, and I'm not criticizing your method in any way. I'm just trying to offer a different POV on the matter.

Understood, and I'm grateful, I was rather hoping someone would raise discussable points.

 

[Ace Riley]

I support getting the 'lee to beg for mercy by any means possible - fingers, tools, grilled cheese sandwiches, whatever - as long as there is uncontrollable laughter, it's all good!

Ok, you're going too far with the grilled cheese sandwhich there. We're not trying to kill the girl, stick with the combs and vibrators... gawd, some people are just sadistic.



Edit: Oh, an Azrael, good thread... and slick quote in your sig. Nice to meet ya.

 

[LindyHopper]

I'm not insulted, but I don't think you got the point of my analogy.

My point was simply, that when there's a tool between my skin and her skin (whoever she might be) the intimacy factor, for me, is reduced. I was making a contrast between using one's self, and using tools, not focusing specifically upon actual intercourse or genitalia. I myself enjoy nibbling and using my hands immensely... I believe that was rather closely tied to my whole point for posting in the first place 😉 ... and I'm inclined to agree that my partner's pleasure is of the utmost importance to me. I want very much for the woman I'm with to enjoy our time together to the utmost.

But if her utmost tickling enjoyment involved using tools rather than your hands, would you be happy with that? Or would you feel that it's not as "intimate," at least for you?

No offense intended (yes, again 😛 ), but I'm wary of ticklers who say, "I prefer tickling with my hands," or even, "I prefer tickling with tools." Tickling should be about what gets the best reaction out of the 'lee. Expressing a specific preference outside of that just seems off to me.

I understand the point you were making with your analogy, but I think my point applies here as well. Many guys aren't willing to spend hours on foreplay because it isn't rewarding for them (when reward in their mind = male orgasm). Ditto with tool-use for ticklers when their primary motive is touching the girl. I've had the experience of being "tickled" by someone who didn't bother with tools, because hey, it's hard to cop a feel with a feather! 😀

What I'm getting at is... as far as I'm concerned, intimacy is about the intensity of the shared experience. You can achieve that in a lot of ways - touch can be one, but it can also not be.

...my focus is simply on the fact (again, fact regarding my leanings only, not "in general") that physical contact without things "in between" is critical to intimacy.

I'll point out that intimacy through physical contact doesn't have to be achieved through the tickling itself.

I can imagine my 'ler holding the fingers of my hand, palm up, and running a feather gently over my wrist..... I'd smile and giggle as my arm tenses up, which causes him to tug back, clasping my hand even more tightly, and keep tickling me.....

I can imagine my 'ler pinning me facedown on the bed, running one hand through my hair to hold my head still, and stroking the tip of a feather behind my ear (in this position, he's lucky if I don't deafen him!). I'd squirm beneath his weight as he kisses and nuzzles my neck.....

Anyway, you get the idea. Sorry about the brief bout of porno tongue. 😛

Does being touched, the actual skin-on-skin contact, mean anything to you in and of itself, whether or not tickling is involved? Is there any sort of gulf or gap between the atmosphere present when tools are being used, and that present when it's mostly touching, assuming that you're not simply with a selfish partner..?

Skin-on-skin contact is meaningful to me, though I don't think cuddling is made worse by clothing. But I think I, more than you perhaps, equate "being touched" with the sensation more than whether it comes from his hands or a feather. If he's wielding it, he is touching me. And with 'lers I'm close to, this produces no gulf in the intimacy of the atmosphere present.

Thinking on it more though... I think there certainly can be a difference in the level of intimacy between hands and tools, at least with some people in certain situations. There are several people who I'd let tickle me just about anywhere with a feather, who I wouldn't want to use their hands on certain spots because "we're not that close." 😀 So yes, even for me, at the opposite end of the spectrum from you on this topic, I still feel some validity in what you say.

Understood, and I'm grateful, I was rather hoping someone would raise discussable points.

I'm glad. I do strive for a favorable post count : content worth reading ratio. 😉

 

[LoveSoles81]

A heating pad and a prickly comb drives my girlfriend crazy!

 

[tickleshotel]

I'd say whether I am the Tickler that I prefer a combination of fingers and tickle tools though sometimes I have found when I am a Ler using just my fingers on certain lee;s was devastasting enough just by adjusting the pace,speed of my fingers and keeping the tickles unpredicatable .

When I am a lee , I like the ler to use fingers,and it is up to them whether to use Tickle Tools or not, I like it all!

 

[50greg]

I'd say whether I am the Tickler that I prefer a combination of fingers and tickle tools though sometimes I have found when I am a Ler using just my fingers on certain lee;s was devastasting enough just by adjusting the pace,speed of my fingers and keeping the tickles unpredicatable .

When I am a lee , I like the ler to use fingers,and it is up to them whether to use Tickle Tools or not, I like it all!

Your fingers would be enough on my soles, TH.

 

[slap'n'ticklee]

Mmm have to say that for me, hands on is best, with flesh on flesh contact. I don't deny that the times a hairbrush has been used has worked wonders, but, I prefer the fingers, hands, lips and tongue approach.

 

[b0xr]

For me as 'Ler I prefer whatever is working best at that particular moment. I like tickling with my hands most, however, Karen can't stand it when I slide a feather between her toes. It drives her totally mad. The space between her pinky toe and the ring toe is the most ticklish spot on her feet and I enjoy working there....As far as "toys" used for sex...why the heck not? If it feels good DO IT! Using toys during sex is for the sheer fun and pleasure it derives so why not. It's all in fun.

 

[Capnmad]

I identify with much of what LindyHopper said. I have a slight default preference for using my fingers -- probably because they're always handy (*groan!* 🙄 ), but I like to experiment with all sorts of things, because my primary interest is my 'lee. My pleasure is intimately connected with the pleasure I give someone else, and some 'lees may not know what works best on them, or, in my experience, can often be happily surprised by a good 'ler, a new tool, technique, or approach. Thus, I advocate the path of experimentation throughout play, and don't limit myself, nor do I assume any one particular practice or implementation of a tool makes the experience less intimate. I rely more on what my 'lee indicates, verbally or (more likely) otherwise. Ideally, my goal is to give them the best experience of their lives, and so, consideration for what the 'lee wants or reacts to best far supercedes any middling preference of mine. Ultimately, I'm rewarded most through offering the most mind-blowing pleasure to my play partner, so my personal preferences really are secondary.

 

[Oddball]

I agree with b0xr, if it feels good, do it. As far as toys for tickling goes, I find for roleplay makes the most fun. Even turn it into little games. Like one time I used the quill of a feather and spelled out words on my gf foot, and she would have to tell me what the word is. Worked out great, at the end, she was so lost in being tickled that she could only pick out two or three letters of the words lol.

As for Toys for sex, you can be surprsed at how hard you can push the limit. A well placed vibrating egg during sex can make any woman climax to a level they don't get to often enough with just conventional means.