Mighty Carver Shark Tank Update – Shark Tank Season 12
Kim and Lance Burney Entered the Tank Seeking a Shark to Help Scale Their Chainsaw-Inspired Carving Knife Business
Holiday meals often revolve around traditions, but carving the turkey was not always everyone’s favorite task. For Kim Burney’s family, however, chainsaws were a different story. Kim and Lance Burney hoped to carve out a deal with a Shark for Mighty Carver, their electric carving knife designed to look like a miniature chainsaw, in Shark Tank Season 12, Episode 5.
Kim’s family has a cabin in Montana, and one of the annual chores was taking small, low-lying limbs off trees to help prevent forest fires. The men in the family enjoyed using the chainsaws to do this and didn’t view it as a chore.
After her grandfather, who always carved the Thanksgiving turkey, passed away, nobody wanted to carve it. She said to her family, “If this were a chainsaw, you boys would be fighting over who gets to carve the turkey.” That’s when she got the idea for Mighty Carver.
That was in 2018. The Florida couple decided to go for it, and they designed and manufactured an electric carving knife that looks like a small chainsaw. They took it around to various houseware shows where a Shark Tank scout found them. Apparently, the idea captured people’s attention: they sold 5000 units in 2019.
Would the Sharks help them reduce manufacturing costs and expand distribution?
About Mighty Carver
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Name | Mighty Carver |
| Founders | Kim Burney and Lance Burney |
| Industry | Kitchen & Household Products |
| Product | Electric carving knife designed to resemble a chainsaw |
| Funding (Pre-Shark Tank) | Self-Funded |
| Investment Asked | $100,000 |
| Equity Offered | 20% |
| Deal Status | Deal Secured |
| Deal Outcome | $100,000 for 25% equity from Daymond John |
| Valuation | $500,000 |
Kim was the driving force behind the business. In less than a year, she invented, manufactured, and patented the product. She also sold them wholesale to Sharper Image, Ace Hardware, The Grommet, and Hammacher Schlemmer. They also sell on Amazon.
At a retail price of approximately $89, Mighty Carver offered customers a way to add entertainment and personality to holiday meals, barbecues, and special occasions.
Mighty Carver Shark Tank Pitch
Kim and Lance enter seeking $100,000 for 20% of their business. The Sharks all like the concept and see it as a fun way to liven up holiday meals.
Kim revealed that she held a patent for the product, which impressed the Sharks. They have strong retail sales, but that’s a problem.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, retail is a less-than-desirable strategy. They wanted a Shark’s help driving more direct-to-consumer sales.
All of the Sharks liked the product.
What Made Mighty Carver Unique?
Mighty Carver stood out because it blended novelty and functionality in a way few kitchen products had achieved. Some of its key advantages included:
- Professional-grade electric carving performance.
- Patented chainsaw-inspired design.
- Food-safe construction designed for kitchen use.
- Strong gift appeal for holidays and special occasions.
- Conversation-starting entertainment value.
- Availability through major retail and online channels.
Did Mighty Carver Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Yes, Mighty Carver secured a deal on Shark Tank. The Sharks generally liked the product and saw clear consumer appeal in its unique design.
Mark Cuban and Barbara Corcoran tinker with teaming up on a deal. Kevin O’Leary offered $100,000 for 33.3% and claims he’ll boost online conversions.
Daymond John offered $100,000 for 27.5%. He then goes to 25% and starts a version of Cuban’s old “countdown clock.”
Lori Greiner urges them to accept Daymond’s offer, and they do!
Mighty Carver Shark Tank Update
The Shark Tank Blog constantly provides updates and follow-ups about entrepreneurs who have appeared on the Shark Tank TV show. The first re-run comes only a month and a half after the original air date, and the Burneys announced in a press release they closed the deal.
The Burneys credit Daymond John and his team for helping them prepare for “The Shark Tank Effect.” Daymond’s team also works closely with the Burneys’ marketing team and helped them with vendor contacts. It appears this deal resulted in a strong working relationship between the Burneys and Daymond.
Unfortunately, a month after airing, they placed a large manufacturing order, and they lost their money. Apparently, Daymond supported them through this trying time.
As of October 2023, they are in negotiations with Lowe’s for retail distribution, and they are developing a new (undisclosed) product. By July 2024, the products are off the shelves at Lowe’s, and their new mystery product is yet to be released. At this time, they’ve sold over $9 million worth of product.
The founders remained focused on their original vision of combining practical innovation with fun, creating a product that delivered professional results while generating smiles around the dinner table.
Where Can You Buy It?
The company continues selling its signature chainsaw-style electric carving knife through its official website, Amazon, and other retail channels.
Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for new product updates.
Posts about Mighty Carver on Shark Tank Blog
Want to learn more about the product that turned Thanksgiving carving into a fun family tradition?
Check out our detailed The Mighty Carver – Chainsaw Carving Knife feature for a closer look at the invention, its Shark Tank journey, and how the business grew after the show.
Quick Summary
- Kim and Lance Burney pitched Mighty Carver on Shark Tank Season 12. They sought $100,000 for 20% equity.
- Daymond John invested $100,000 for 25% equity.
- By 2024, Mighty Carver had generated more than $9 million in cumulative sales. The business remains active and continues selling products through retail and online channels.
Read other Shark Tank Season 12 Episodes.
Curious about the other businesses featured in Shark Tank Season 12 Episode 05? Explore more updates and see which ideas made a splash in the Tank.
