An end effector assembly (3505, 3710) for a surgical instrument, comprising: first and second jaw members, at least one of which is movable relative to the other from a first position, wherein the first and second jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another, to a second position, wherein the first and second jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween, each of the first and second jaw members including an electrically-conductive surface extending along a length thereof, each electrically-conductive surface being adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the electrically-conductive surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween; a first insulative material (3597, 3797) configured to support the electrically-conductive surface of the first jaw member; a first electrically-conductive cutting element (3527, 3727) disposed within the first insulative material of the first jaw member; a second insulative material configured to support the electrically-conductive surface of the second jaw member; and a second electrically-conductive cutting element disposed within the second insulative material of the second jaw member, the second electrically-conductive cutting element generally opposing the first electrically-conductive cutting element, wherein the first and second electrically-conductive cutting elements are configured to abut one another in vertical registration when the first and second jaw members are moved to the second position, wherein the first insulative material is disposed between the first electrically-conductive surface and a rigid structural support (3599, 3799) configured to support the first electrically-conductive surface, wherein the rigid structural support includes perforations, and the end effector assembly being characterized in that the first insulative material is located between the perforations of the rigid structural support. first and second jaw members, at least one of which is movable relative to the other from a first position, wherein the first and second jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another, to a second position, wherein the first and second jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween, each of the first and second jaw members including an electrically-conductive surface extending along a length thereof, each electrically-conductive surface being adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the electrically-conductive surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween; a first insulative material (3597, 3797) configured to support the electrically-conductive surface of the first jaw member; a first electrically-conductive cutting element (3527, 3727) disposed within the first insulative material of the first jaw member; a second insulative material configured to support the electrically-conductive surface of the second jaw member; and a second electrically-conductive cutting element disposed within the second insulative material of the second jaw member, the second electrically-conductive cutting element generally opposing the first electrically-conductive cutting element, wherein the first and second electrically-conductive cutting elements are configured to abut one another in vertical registration when the first and second jaw members are moved to the second position, wherein the first insulative material is disposed between the first electrically-conductive surface and a rigid structural support (3599, 3799) configured to support the first electrically-conductive surface, wherein the rigid structural support includes perforations, and the end effector assembly being characterized in that the first insulative material is located between the perforations of the rigid structural support.