A newly developed chef’s knife that uses ultrasonic energy could make kitchen prep a whole lot easier in the future.

US startup Seattle Ultrasonics has unveiled the C-200, which comes with a hefty US$399 (A$615) price tag.

At first glance, the C-200 looks like a traditional 8-inch Japanese AUS-10 stainless steel knife. But with the push of a button on the handle, the blade begins vibrating more than 40,000 times per second.

This microscopic motion, which is invisible to the user, reduces friction and food sticking, while requiring up to 50% less force when cutting, according to Inventor Scott Heimendinger.

Heimendinger, who spent six years developing the knife, says the design was inspired by ultrasonic cutting tools used in industrial kitchens.

The blade is fully functional as a traditional knife. It can be rock-chopped, garlic-smashed and resharpened with standard tools, but adds some futuristic flair.

In demonstrations, it glides through tomatoes, citrus, bread, and cheese with ease. For cocktail enthusiasts, the vibrations can even create a fine mist from citrus fruits.

Power comes from a removable battery pack, offering around 20 minutes of continuous chopping per charge. A USB-C charging option is included, while a separate wooden wireless charging tile doubles as a magnetic wall mount.

Response online has been enthusiastic, with some buyers praising the knife as a potential game-changer for those with mobility or grip issues.

Whether it becomes a kitchen essential or a pricey novelty remains to be seen.

Pre-orders are open now via the company’s website, with shipping expected to begin in January 2026.