This article is about the motorized domestic utensil. For surgical instruments, see
bloodless surgery.
An electric carving knife or electric knife is an electrical kitchen device used for slicing
foods. 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. They were popular in the
United Kingdom in the 1970s.[citation needed]
Invention
The invention of the electric knife is usually attributed to
Jerome L. Murray,[1][2] but there are other claimants, such as Clem E. Kosterman, who filed a patent in 1939.[3][4]
Electric knives can be corded or cordless.
Other uses
They are also sometimes used for other purposes, including sculpting
polyurethane foam rubber,[5][6] cutting
wood, cutting
metal, and other solid or semi-solid substances and materials.
Popular culture
In the 1981 horror film Possession, the character of Anna cuts her neck with an electric knife.
In the 1986 horror film Maximum Overdrive, an electric knife turns itself on and cuts waitress Wanda June.
In the third-season Simpsons episode "
Dog of Death",
Homer attempts to use an electric knife to carve a
Thanksgiving turkey at the table, sending pieces of it flying at other family members.
^Sylvia Moss. Costumes and Chemistry: A Comprehensive Guide to Materials and Applications, Quite Specific Media Group Ltd, 2001.
ISBN0-89676-214-9 p317