How far is too far?. It seems this it's the question edge players are trying to answer. Edge play isn’t a specific type of play, it's more a warning sign for all those engaging in BDSMK plays. Under its umbrella are activities considered risky yet still consensually undertaken for the purposes of arousal, stimulation, and pleasure. "The New Topping Book" a classic BDSMK resource [by Dossie Easton & Janet W. Hardy] describes edgeplay as “wherever things start to feel risky, where you start to feel vulnerable, the edge of the cliff that looks over your personal abyss”. In other words, for them the definition of edge play is subjective and can differ from individual to individual. However, most activities categorized as edge play involves objective higher elements of physical. The criteria to categorize an activity or play as “edgy” are:

Activities with any risk of serious or permanent damage or even death.
Activities that present an increased risk of spreading disease.
Activities that may present a significant psychological danger.
Activities that may present a significant danger for player operative lives.

Using this criteria it’s “easy” to ensemble a list with different kinds of plays or activities that falls into any of those requirements:

Barebacking | Blood Play | Breath Play | Branding | Breeding | Bondage | CNC | Emotional sadism | Fear Play | Findom | Fire play | Impact Play | Knife Play | Needle Play | Scat Play | TPE | Waterboarding | Watersports

Many kink folks make the argument that BDSMK it’s inherently edgy, making all kinds of plays some sort of edge play. However, it's very important to notice that edge play activities are advanced activities requiring both physical skill and an understanding of the psychology around them. It's a good idea to at least have a solid foundation of kinky play and activities before trying this more advanced types of play. Most kink educators recommend only participating in edge play activities after receiving hands-on lessons from another kinkster skilled in the activity.

It is important that the Top has the proper skills to handle the scene and that the bottom partner can clearly communicate their capabilities and need to stop if needed. Understanding and acknowledging risk is part of practicing edge play. After all, when practicing edge play it is not a question of if an accident will happen, but when will happen. Knowing how to reduce the chances of this happening, as well as being prepared for that moment should be learned before going into this type of play. Is important to keep in mind that there is a lot of misinformation not only on the internet, but also in the community about how edgy a play really is.