An electric knife or electric carving knife is an electrical kitchen device used for slicing foods. An electric knife requires less physical effort than an ordinary knife and produces neater slices. The device consists of two serrated blades that are clipped together. When the appliance is switched on, the blades continuously move lengthways to provide the sawing action. In the UK, electric knives were popular in the 1970s and not as popular in today's kitchens.
The invention of the electric knife is usually attributed to Jerome L. Murray, but there are other claimants such as Clem E. Kosterman who filed a patent in 1939.
They are also sometimes used for other purposes, including sculpting polyurethane foam rubber, cutting wood, cutting metal, and other solid or semi-solid substances and materials. Electric knives can be corded or cordless.