Made In: The DTC Kitchen Brand
Made In entered the cookware and cutlery market with a direct-to-consumer model. Their chef's knife retails for approximately $165 — squarely in the territory of Wüsthof Classic and MAC Pro.
Specs
- Blade length: 8 inches
- Steel: CRYODUR treated high-carbon stainless
- Hardness: 58 HRC
- Edge angle: 15° per side
- Construction: Full tang, forged
- Manufacturing: France (Thiers)
What Made In Gets Right
Made in Thiers, France — a legitimate cutlery manufacturing hub. The blade steel is high-carbon stainless subjected to a cryogenic treatment similar in principle to Zwilling's Friodur process. At 58 HRC with a 15° edge, the factory sharpness is excellent. The blade geometry is outstanding — relatively thin spine for a forged Western knife, pronounced distal taper, and a gently curved belly.
Where Made In Falls Short
The handle is the weakness. The pakkawood scales are beautiful but the ergonomics are less refined than Wüsthof's decades of handle optimization. The transition from handle to bolster has a slight sharp edge that becomes noticeable in extended prep sessions.
Value Comparison
| Knife | Price | Blade Geometry | Handle Ergonomics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Made In 8-inch | ~$165 | Excellent | Good |
| Wüsthof Classic 8-inch | ~$165 | Very good | Excellent |
| MAC Pro MBK-85 | ~$145 | Excellent (thin) | Good |
The Made In chef's knife is genuinely good — excellent blade geometry and factory sharpness that competes with any knife at its price. The handle ergonomics are slightly behind Wüsthof's refined Classic. If the blade feels better in your hand during testing, Made In is a legitimate premium choice.