Knife gate valves are a specific type of gate valve that are typically used in industries for handling tough solids and slurries. Named for their shape, knife gate valves have a sharp, knife-like gate that can cut through viscous or solid material in the flow. They are commonly used in wastewater treatment plants, paper mills, mining operations, and food industries, among others. Their primary function is to start or sop a flow or adjust its volume, but they do not control the pressure or flow rate.