I have an interesting hobby. One that, due to its esoteric and personal nature, is difficult to share with others (in real life), let alone find someone who’s as into it and well-versed in its idiosyncracies as I am let alone have real, face-to-face conversations about it with them. So imagine the enthusiasm with which I spent my day yesterday hanging out with Christopher Miers, the man behind Steelwerks Extreme. Drew was there to talk about the device he and Axel are buying. I was just there to geek out and bask in the coolness of it all.
Since he was in the middle of moving to new space, I didn’t get to see any of the heavy machinery he uses to coax beautiful and sexy shapes from ingots of raw metal, but I did get to peruse a case of samples, prototypes, early endeavors, and a small collection of his clients’ old devices (to which I will be adding a few carefully chosen specimens). One was a very early Steelworxx device, one a fantastically small Mature Metal Jail Bird, and another was the first Lori’s tube I’ve ever seen in real life. It was like the beginnings of a penis predicament museum.
Chris was ridiculously generous with his time. He spent essentially the whole day just talking shop, eating lunch, walking around his Montréal neighborhood, and introducing us to his pals at Polymorphe, a manufacturer of latex fetishwear. We discussed and debated at length the merits of all the various device manufacturers (they all have strong suits and potential downsides) and then he fitted Drew in a device to help determine the size necessary for he and Axel’s new device. I was able to try on Chris’ personal device which was a big deal since he said I was the only other person to wear it (if I wasn’t worried about how much of a fanboy it’d make me sound like, I’d tell you exactly how that felt) and, as you’d expect, it was gorgeous. So, you know, just another bunch of guys hanging around locking metal to their dicks. Though, to be truthful, Chris didn’t partake (and I’m not embarrassed to say, I wish he had, because fucking yum) but based on the fit of his device on me, I have a pretty good idea of the basic dimensions of his dick (blush).
The thing I appreciate about Chris is the intersection of craft, commerce, and even art he represents. Of course, it’s his business to sell these creations and he has the same concerns as any other small businessman (regulations, rent, payroll, etc.) but the meticulous care he puts into their construction and (especially recently) the level to which he’s advanced artistic expression in the field of male chastity is truly exciting. We talked about how the merging of a few of his most recent creations would be possibly the most beautiful male chastity device ever made. It’s a device I’d like to see him make and, even better, be locked on me. But who knows. Maybe that’ll happen someday.
It’s also become really clear to me that the marketplace of fetish and kink products is divided into two camps. There’s the small manufacturers who make their wares carefully and with passion and whose livelihoods can often depend on their work and then there’s those who literally connive to steal that innovation and creativity and knock it off overseas to sell at the lowest possible price. This has happened to Chris just as it’s happened to several others like him. It’s unfortunate and, I suppose, inevitable. I get that not everyone (actually, hardly anyone) can afford the very top of the market for any of these kinds of products, but I also think it’s important that as consumers we frequent retailers who respect their suppliers. At the end of the day, someone who takes one of Chris’ creations and knocks it off in cast metal from China simply doesn’t care about you or your penis. They just want your money. If you drop a couple hundred on their crap and it never leaves your drawer following the first time you tried it on, they consider themselves successful. Chris and other makers like him represent the antithesis of this way of doing business.
My only regret from yesterday is that I wasn’t able to spend more time in Montréal. It’s such a great city and has a vibe unlike any other in North America. In the same way Miami feels like it’s in South America, Montréal feels like it’s in Europe. Belle and I have been there together a few times and have also spent time in Québec City which is even harder to imagine is North American. If you want a European-like experience for a fraction of the prices (especially with the currently favorable American exchange rate), head north.
For those interested in what I looked like in Chris’ cage, it’s after the jump. I’d call it maybe 20% longer than I’d want, but the ring and tube diameter were just about perfect.
Gosh, I’m jealous…!
I can only imagine who interesting the fun an afternoon of conversation around chastity cages must have been. I doubt that you recorded the conversation, but I would enjoy hearing more of the details. You are right, the cage is gorgeous. I am impressed that Chris was willing to share. I am also impressed with Chris’ shrine to the ‘devices departed’.
I have been intrigued by Steelworks Extreme, and have always wanted to get one. I am now more motivated and ever.
I can only image the glee of your day au Montreal.
Ah, could be sizzling chaud! That could be le meillieur chastity device of all time. Fine jewelry indeed. I don’t mind, either, the cool undies, the shininess of the jeans zipper, and the image of Thumper’s legs reflected in the tip of the device. B&W the perfect choice. The words too! Ingot. Lingot in French, masculine noun, dating back to the 1300s. Thump, thump my heart. All thumpiness. A lingot of a post.
Wow. I have waited weeks for this post since I first read you were going (also can’t wait for your more graphic posting too, I hope) but I love the description you gave of you guys and what you were doing. What do you think of what Drew got? Did Axel send you to supervise?
On the quality, I have a mature metal one that, well, just bothers me because I can see the welding and bend it in my hand, do you get the impression that SW will be like that? I wondered if Drew was secretly buying you on to but guess that was stupid but thought I could cross my fingers for you.
Love the pic. It’s beautiful on you.
“I wondered if Drew was secretly buying you on to but guess that was stupid but thought I could cross my fingers for you.”
Not sure what that that means.
No, Axel didn’t send me to supervise. I wasn’t sure I was going to go at first, but I’m glad I did. And no, Steelwerks’ devices are nothing like any other on the market. MM makes a fine device, but Steelwerks are an entirely different level of craftsmanship.
Oh, I meant I hoped he was secretly going to buy you a device too. I think I just like the idea of seeing you both locked.
I like my MM but just think I’d do better to invest next time versus going the cheap way. It’s my only cock so I have decided I owe it to me in the long run. Now to convince the wife.
Thumper,
The cage that you are modeling does not appear on the Steelwerks website. Do you know if it isa prototype ?
Everything Chris does is essentially custom. Each one is unique. It’s a variation of the Creature Cage: http://www.steelwerksextreme.com/male-chastity-device/creature-chastity-cages
There are a lot more pictures of other Creature cages on the Steelwerks Twitter stream: https://twitter.com/steelwerks
Thumper, I know the reputation of Steelwerks is amazing and the device you modeled is beautiful, but since you have worn so many, do you think it would be any more “comfortable” than a steelheart or a looker during a regular day to day life?
I am very jealous you got to go there and experience what so few of us chastity geeks get to do. I have no idea what the trip cost you, but it sounds like you got your money’s worth easily and got to go to Canada, a bucket list place for me, so I think my man crush on you just upped a notch (said from a 100% straight man)
How was it for Drew and Axel? Was it weird to see his switch side like that?
My wife read what I wrote and made me come back and correct what I said to say 98% straight man because, she said, after reading you she’s convinced all men want just a tiny bit of dick subconsciously. I’m somewhat inclined to side with her.
Re: comfort. I dunno. I had it on for something like five minutes. It was different than the Steelheart in that there were more bits for me to make contact with. Can’t really say if it would be more or less comfortable.
I completely agree with your wife. Nobody is 100% straight.
You just made my life hell this week by agreeing with my wife, um, thanks. That makes sense about the time you had it on, I have just always been curious about what they’d really feel like. Did you like Drew’s or can you not see him in one? I have the steelheart 2 (with the star openings on the end) and like it but don’t love it. My wife likes it though so I am likely stuck but can dream.
Thank you for answering me. I was a but flattered.
Thumper, when you tried-on Chris’ cage, was it one of his models, or what ‘his’ personal cage? Just curious. It adds an interesting dimension to the shopping experience knowing that the building/creator of the cages also wears one.
It was his personal cage and I was the first besides him to wear it. While not getting too much into his personal life, he doesn’t wear one nearly as much as I do.
Hello Thumper,
You are so right about Chris, he is one of a kind. I am also a customer of his (fuunny thing on your Picture I see 2 of my former devices and another item I left Chris to add to his “vault”, I found it very interesting to be able to see some devices I have seen and read about on the net but not having a chance to see for real.
To anyone considering dealing with Chris, be ready to have fun and you can expect Chris to take all the time needed, he won’t push you and will listen. He also has a great knowledge of his devices and others as well.
To give you an example…
For Lilly and I he was very nice and once he figured out the dynamics of our couple, well…… let’s just say he dealt with the person in charge mostly LOL….. Looked at me and said if a customer comes to him to have his device removed without the key, he would not do it without the Keyholder’s direct permission…… in other words it meant to me “don’t even think about it” LOL.
We ended up staying about 3-4 hours in his shop talking like we were old friends (although we have never met before)…. this is how Chris treats people, always available and open to questions.
I would say that chris is an artist, hist devices are really works of art and it shows in his approach.
I feel fortunate to live near Montreal so my experience with him was as pleasing as yours, he showed me a creature cage and I have to tell you, if Lilly (my wife and KH) says the word I might end up in one.
For now I have one of his device with a PA fitting and I must say after many tries and many devices, this one is the best I have so far.
Glad you had a good time in Montreal, when the weather is good, this city is unique, like you said, with it’s European and easy going feeling.
-Neo
I think that Chris appears to understand that what is provides is more than a piece of jewelery or hardware, he is also selling the experience….and his attitude and perspective is voice here, gives considerable more texture of the experience of buying a cage and using a cage.