Mighty Carver: A Breakthrough in Thanksgiving Carving
Lance and Kim Burney made a memorable appearance on Season 12 of Shark Tank, specifically in Episode 4 that aired on November 6, 2020. The entrepreneurial duo sought a $100,000 investment in exchange for a 20% equity stake in their innovative product, the Mighty Carver. Their presentation introduced a new and exciting approach to the beloved tradition of carving turkey during Thanksgiving festivities.
The Mighty Carver, resembling a compact chainsaw, is not just any electric knife; it offers versatility beyond turkey carving, enabling users to cut meats and even slice bread with ease. This product was presented as a more efficient and effective alternative to traditional carving knives, drawing significant interest from the Sharks.
Shark Tank Insights and Offers
Throughout the pitch, concerns about safety were raised, particularly by Mark Cuban, who inquired whether a childproof lock could be implemented. Kevin O’Leary, another investor, praised the product’s aesthetic appeal and suggested that direct-to-consumer sales might yield greater profit margins for the Burneys.
As the pitch progressed, Lance and Kim revealed impressive sales figures: they had sold approximately 8,500 units the previous year, generating around $200,000 in revenue. This information caught O’Leary’s attention, leading him to extend the first offer of $100,000 for a 33.3% stake in Mighty Carver. Daymond John quickly countered with an offer for a 27.5% equity stake, demonstrating his interest in the product.
After some negotiation, Daymond adjusted his offer to $100,000 for 25% equity, pressing the Burneys for a decision. Though O’Leary attempted to persuade them to reconsider his offer, the dynamics shifted further when Barbara Corcoran and Mark Cuban showed interest in collaborating with Daymond.
“Don’t be so fast, relax,”quipped Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary.
Ultimately, Lance and Kim decided to partner with Daymond John, sealing a deal that would change the trajectory of their business.
The Evolution of Mighty Carver: From Concept to Market
The inspiration for Mighty Carver was rooted in family traditions. Lance and Kim Burney valued the Thanksgiving ritual of turkey carving but recognized the challenges posed by traditional knives, particularly when it came to cutting through bone. Kim’s insight into this problem led her to develop an innovative solution—the Mighty Carver, a mini electric saw tailored for effortless turkey carving.
The couple saw a decline in interest in this holiday task after Kim’s grandfather passed away, which had left them looking for a way to reinvigorate the experience. The Mighty Carver allowed users to easily slice the turkey into uniform strips, making the process not only simpler but also more enjoyable for all involved.
Collaborating closely, the Burneys set out to bring their product to market. They soon recognized the need for effective marketing and investor endorsement, propelling them to seek a platform like Shark Tank. Following their successful pitch and partnership with Daymond John, they launched the official Mighty Carver website and began selling their product online.
As their reach expanded, the Mighty Carver received a 4.5-star rating from over 523 reviews on Amazon and found additional retail presence on Walmart Business’ website. The Burneys have also cultivated a robust social media following, attracting over 1,000 followers on Facebook and more than 4,400 on Instagram.
The product has not only captured consumer interest but has also attracted media attention, with features in publications like HSN and The Wall Street Journal. Based in Sanford, Florida, Mighty Carver continues to thrive, with their electric knife currently retailing at $74.99 USD as of 2025.
For those keeping up with entrepreneurial endeavors, Season 16 of Shark Tank is currently airing on ABC.