Battle of the Blades: Misen Vs Made In Chef Knife

[@kiltedcripple]

Thank you for the message on Chinese manufactured goods. I've been saying the same thing for years, Chinese manufacturers made cheap garbage because Americans asked them to make cheap garbage. I LOVE that we're getting these newer DTC companies where Chinese craftspersons who want to be proud of their work can sell directly to customers who want to invest in good quality products. Craftsman are craftsman, we don't need racist bullshit excuses keeping artisans out of a market. Let artisans compete for an honest dollar, let honest buyers research and invest is quality artisanal goods and everybody wins. On that note, I'm squirreling away my nickels for the Dao Vuo Kiri Cleaver you reviewed some months back. I love their story, that knife looks awesome, and I enjoy sharpening, so I'm doing it!

[@BetweenTwoForks]

Exactly! I understand that some of the Chinese manufacturers also treat their laborers like crap due to the lack of workers rights and Unions. Which they get paid by the piece they make and that can end up with lower quality products. But good companies to want good quality will be less likely to utilize those crappy manufacturers. That kiri cleaver is totally worth it! I LOVE using mine. It is a bit reaching to onions and the likes but it just takes a little extra care while using it. I have to stop myself from grabbing for the knife because I have other knives I have to keep reviewing 😁

[@nexusly6720]

Besides the employees slaving 14hour shifts to feed the whole world's manufacturing demands. Benefits china in the long run over every single country.

[@BetweenTwoForks]

@@nexusly6720 without getting into too much politics. This is a result of capitalism. The people who don't support China also have to hold the corporations/companies equally, if not more, accountable for utilizing China to make a profit while turning a blind eye or just not caring all together.

[@zackslaststand]

@@BetweenTwoForks comrade forks? 😃

[@BetweenTwoForks]

@@zackslaststand lol what do you mean?

[@pjwillsr]

One area missed...the Made In is forged steel, the Misen is stamped steel. Stamping is less expensive and inferior process, so some additional costs added for forging a knife. I have the Misen Utility knife and love it!

[@BetweenTwoForks]

I always assumed the Misens were they were forged because of the integrated bolster. Thanks for sharing the information and supporting the channel! :)

[@clarel6252]

glad i watched this video after your made in video. it changed my mind! ordering the misen!

[@BetweenTwoForks]

So glad that this video helped you make the decision. Both are great knives. Definitely is a hard decision to make. Thank you for watching and supporting the channel! 😃🙏

[@BetweenTwoForks]

Thank you to Jim Burns for correcting the Made in price. It is actually $89 anf also Jack Black for reminding me about the Misen's spine and choil. The Misen's spine and choil has harder edge out of the box in comparison to the Made In, so this will give them a point back in comfort and increase the win for quality and fit 😁 Thanks for watching. Please Like & Subscribe!😊🙏

[@davidhardy879]

Very well said ! The bottom line with ANY product is not WHERE it is made but HOW it is made !

[@MyName-ht9ir]

I'm giving up my Ikea packaged knife for a misen, yours is 2nd review I've seen, same result, I hadn't heard of the made in, but something tells me I'll be very pleased. Impulse... purchased, then I watched reviews lol.

[@BetweenTwoForks]

Hahaha! I think you will be pleasantly pleased. I'm the same, impulse buy then research. I will see one video saying that it might not be the best and I start regretting all my life decisions LOL jk.

[@gregmccormack5709]

You are not kidding about the Misen taking a fine edge. I just did mine with some thinning on waterstones..... it's like a different knife. Cheers.

[@jeffbaloga4376]

Great point on “Made in China”. Im a new fan of your channel. Great unbiased review and comments!!! Keep up the great work!👍😎👍

[@BetweenTwoForks]

Thank you so much and I really appreciate you watching and supporting the channel! 😃🙏

[@johnruiz6743]

I have a Misen which I like and use, but I also have several Wusthofs, Global, MAC etc which see use in rotation. I like chef knives with better finish and not so many sharp edges. I don't have issues with the knife moving around even with no sharp edges on the bolster and handle. In fact it's more comfortable to use for longer cutting sessions when the knife is finished better. I ordered a Made In chef knife to add to my collection and am looking forward to comparing. I haven't noticed a huge difference between the Misen edge retention vs the knives I have with German steel. That is just my take thus far with my Misen 2.0. Happy Cooking! 😉

[@BetweenTwoForks]

Hey my man! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us! I do agree that the Misen finish, especially the spine and choir can really use some work. Have you had a chance to try the Madein? Also another good knife, but personally like the profile of the Misen more.

[@johnruiz6743]

@@BetweenTwoForks Still trying to get the Made In knife. Was supposed to be delivered Friday, but has not showed up yet. Think it may have been delivered to the wrong address or something? 🤔🙄

[@jacekey2180]

Out of all the knives you have , which is your favorite?

[@johnruiz6743]

@@jacekey2180 I find myself using my Wusthof Ikon 6" chef knife more so than my other chef knives, though it depends upon the task. For tasks requiring a bigger knife I either use the Misen or Wusthof Ikon 8" chef knives.

[@t-shirtedhistorian]

I was waiting for this comparison. The only thing I don't like about the Misen is that I've seen more than one video saying that you need to sand down the top and bottom of the knife because the steel of the blade isn't rounded enough and comfortable straight out of the box. I'm probably just lazy, but I like the Made In because it looks more comfortable to use. Though I'm using a Coolina at the moment and I imagine either of those knives are better.

[@BetweenTwoForks]

I do agree that the Misen's spine and choil are a bit harsh out of the box. Real easy fix with some sand paper and elbow grease 😁 The Made In's spine and choil are definitely worked on out of the box and smoother. I think they are both great knoves and just bouls down to the user's personal preference. As for the coolina, I think it has it's place in the kitchen but if comparison of quality, I'd say both Misen and Made In are much more refined

[@jdwilkins2000]

Between Two Forks, Good afternoon, I just wanted to weigh in with my Misen experience. I recently bought the new version 8' Chef Knife with the 20% off and free shipping deal, so my total cost was just $52.00! I have used both high-end German and Japanese Chef Knives in the past, and I found the Misen to be better in just about every way. I saw a review from a lady who downgraded the Misen because she said it hurts her (small) hand when using the pinch grip. That may be an issue for people with small hands, have you heard this as well? Thanks for making these videos, they are very informative and seem quite fair and accurate. Peace, Jim Wilkins

[@BetweenTwoForks]

Hi Jim, thank you so much for writing and sharing your experience. I am with you. For the price, I think it is beating out knives that are twice the price and more. I have heard and have seen the video myself. I actually made a video response addressing that. If you are interested, check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2KwhmSNf92ErZo Thank you so much for watching!🙏😊

[@stephan24297]

Not sure if it's worth anything but there is a smaller version of the chef knife from misen

[@jimburns1927]

All do respect for your personal preference, I know quite a few people have reviewed the Misen 2.0 and said the original Misen was awesome but the 2.0 was hated by most of them! I have been a chef over 30 years and have many knives! I do own a Madein knife that I paid for myself which the price is 89.00 not 99.00 as reported! The Company Madein is a real stand up company and carries excellent products they have awesome customer service! If you like the Misen that is good I just find them to be inconsistent with their products! Thank you appreciate your comparison 🔪👨🏻‍🍳👏☝️🙏 Madein knifes are made by a knife manufacturer in Thiers France that has made knifes for hundreds of years! If you dig deep enough you can find out and be surprised by whom the knife is made by! A knife company that just about every chef owned and loved their knives for so many years before the big Japanese knife craze took over in the USA 🇺🇸! Thank you for your video but like you said it’s a personal preference 👊🏻

[@BetweenTwoForks]

Hey Jim! Thank you for the correction, yes $89 for the Made In. I will make note in the video 😁 but like you said, it boils down to personal preference and some people will automatically dislike Misen just because of where it is manufacturer. Which is unfortunate. I have seen some of the reviews on the 2.0 and I will have to respectfully disagree. I think the 2.0 is superior and plan on making a video on it. I have noticed that most of the people that dislike it doesn't know a proper pinch grip. I know that the Made In is made by a 5th gen (IIRC) Thiers France. Or some call the knife capital of the world. They make some amazing knives. I agree, Made In is a fantastic company and I love that they are based out of ATX. Love that they partnered up with Alinea. Misen is also another great company. Thank you so much for your support! 💪😊

[@BetweenTwoForks]

Hope you dont mind me weighing in, as this was directed to Jim. I think K Sabatiers are good knives. Only draw back is the full bolster on most of them that prevents sharpening the whole knife. Old school carbon steel sabs are a bit soft that requires regular honing but takes on a very sharp edge 😊

[@jimburns1927]

Kovac 89 hey just wanted you to know that I bought a 10 inch k- sabatier Carbon Steel knife this year from amazon for 76.00 I love Carbon Steel knifes and it probably is one of my favorites from a vast collection that I own! Yes it is more difficult to maintain but worth every minute of it in my opinion. I steel my knife before each use and it’s edge retention is quite good and when it needs to be sharpened on a stone it sharpens much quicker than stainless steel or stainless clad knives! Hope this helps you! Happy Cooking 👨🏻‍🍳🔪

[@MrJKellerLewis]

Can you do a frying pan comparison between Misen and Made In too?

[@BetweenTwoForks]

Hey John! Thank you for the suggestion. I'd actually love to do a comparison video and sounds fun. Just have to wait for funds to be available to get the skillets. Thanks for supporting the channel! 😃🙏

[@Layput]

I had the Misen and it's a really sharp knife out of the box.

[@BetweenTwoForks]

Agreed! The knives are very sharp out of the box.

[@rowanfernsler9725]

I’ve been waiting for this

[@BetweenTwoForks]

I'm glad I finally delivered 😁 hope this cover most of the main points 🙏

[@kinduhfat]

After buying a bunch of knives like wusthof Ikon and a Shun that was 200 bucks, I prefer the Misen!

[@BetweenTwoForks]

I'm so glad to hear! I know a lot of people are very attached to their wusthofs but the Misens are better no matter how they slice the cake 😃🙏

[@onedirection3510]

What if you throw the Global chef knife in this mix? Global wins? Or still Misen?

[@BetweenTwoForks]

If we throw Global in the mix, I think just the fit and finish itself and them being produced in Japan will make them a clear winner. I have limited experience with Global knives but the times I have used it before, they are great knives! Thanks for watching and supporting the channel! 😃🙏

[@josephgrueter890]

I appreciate your distinction regarding Chinese made products. I think far too many people are cavalier with their castigation of Chinese manufacturing, sometimes bordering on racism. That being said, I personally still avoid Chinese products if I can simply because I vehemently oppose the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese governments policies and behaviors on the world stage. It is important to distinguish between a nations people, culture, and government. Chinese people are wonderful, Chinese culture is fascinating, and the Chinese government is *transmission interrupted*

[@BetweenTwoForks]

I couldn't have word it better myself. This 1000%! I totally agree that we can love the people but disagree with the government. The issue with a lot of people who want to disagree with a government that is comprised of a specific race is that they don't have the ability separate their animosity for the actions of the government vs the people. Which easily lead down to a path of racism and fear mongering. We saw that not too long ago with Japanese Internment Camps in WWII.

[@mikeway7207]

Really enjoy your videos, man. Lol I already own both the Misen and Wusthof versions of their chef knives so am not really in the market for anything, but still enjoy watching your stuff just because it's good and fun to watch and you're fair and candid in your assessments. Stay on that quality hustle, keep rocking!

[@BetweenTwoForks]

Hey! Thank you so much for supporting the channel. That truly means a lot. Any other content you'd like to see on the channel? Thanks again! 😃🙏🙏🙏

[@mikeway7207]

@@BetweenTwoForks now that you'd ask, if you're ever so inclined, I'd love to hear/see your thoughts and explorations on best options for high-heat low maintenance cookware :) I feel stuck trying to find a pan I can using at a high temperature without having to scrub or baby so much between forkings! Thanks for any insights if you ever or already have gotten around to it!

[@BetweenTwoForks]

I can most definitely try to put a video together to talk about my experience with skillets vs non-stick skillets. Thanks for the idea and if you ever have other videos you would like to see, always feel free to share 😃🙏

[@Henry7Madsen]

My take is that dollar per dollar the Misen is better value but the Made in is better because it is more expensive , also as of October 2023 the Made In is 120$ and the Misen is 85$

[@gloriamartinelli7899]

It’d be nice to see both knives compared to the Victorinox Fibrox 8 inch chef’s knife and perhaps also its first rival, the Mercer.

[@Djoser122]

Just discovered your channel and have been watching some vids, nice work! You have my likes and a sub. Now, I had a Misen chef knife that I liked very much (I agree it's very comfortable and beautifully thin, and it came razor sharp). First time I used the knife was on potatoes and I experienced something I've never encountered: so much drag on the flats of the blade. I expected this knife to glide through potatoes! The MIsen paring knife I ordered with it did (narrower blade=less drag?). The only reason I could fathom was that the "grain" of the machining was at a diagonal angle to the direction of the blade, but the wrong direction. It was the direction of a backslash if the handle is in the right hand, meaning it was more or less perpendicular to the downward angled cutting motion that is made most of the time using it (unless you're doing a rocking chop). I switched to an older knife (I really thought I must be doing something weird) and it was fine, less resistance than this new ultra sharp knife! A few days later a friend and I were making dinner and I asked her to use it to see what she thought vs the older Sabatier that is my Old Faithful. She had nearly the same feedback, though she was working on tomatoes. I kept the paring knife and returned the chef. Did I just get an unfinished blade, maybe? Have you noticed any drag with yours? Just watched another of your vids with a Misen knife and I'm guessing that you haven't had any issues, based upon your enthusiasm for the Misen! Maybe I'll have to give it another try.

[@BetweenTwoForks]

Thank you so much for the support! I have heard that there was a bad batch of Misen knives that snuck past inspection. If you give them a call, they will definitely replace your knife. Their customer services have been great so far. Sorry to hear you have to experience that. The Sabatiers are fantastic knives as well 😃 maybe give Misen another go and see what you think since they have the money back guarantee. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. I look forward to seeing your new experience with it. Thank you again for the support!! 😃🙏🙏🙏

[@blumenaue7590]

Excellent. Just made my mind up.

[@BetweenTwoForks]

Glad I'm able to help! Thanks for watching! 🙂🙏

[@mcneelrm]

I'd appreciate a review of Chinese-style vegetable cleavers. (Considering the Kessaku brand.) Looking for the best stainless steel value for under $100 dollars. Frustrated that so many have a D belly when what I want is the flattest blade possible. Thanks.

[@BetweenTwoForks]

Hi! I will see what I can find. I have the same issue finding a flat cleaver. The flattest one I have found is a Fook Kee but it is in carbon steel. I will see what I can dig up and do a video on this 😁

[@claudinabrizuela6303]

Lamson Knives, made in the USA the 8” Chinese santuko Knife, $80.

[@tragedytrousers1769]

I have the Made In and really like it.

[@BetweenTwoForks]

It's a good knife! I love howthin they were able to get it so thin!

[@richarddowe8041]

Tried both but prefer my Kai Wasabi Chef for the money and gets Razor Sharp on the stone

[@BetweenTwoForks]

Someone else recommended the kiwi knives to me as well. I really need to grab a few to see what the rave is all about! Have a happy holidays! 😃🙏

[@risin-]

well done..

[@BetweenTwoForks]

Thank you so much! 😊🙏

[@kizzle45shizzle]

I ordered my Made In because of Awkwafina 😂 she recently did a friendsgiving cooking video using it. It was also time for me to get a proper chef’s knife since I cook for my family everyday!

[@BetweenTwoForks]

Hahaha love it! Both of these knives are great and can't go wrong with either of them. I think it really boils down to what fits your cooking and cutting style more 😁

[@kizzle45shizzle]

@@BetweenTwoForks also, can you react to the video of her cooking?! Its called Friendsgiving with Awkwafina on KZbin!

[@BetweenTwoForks]

@@kizzle45shizzle I have never done a reaction video before. It might be fun. Thabks for the suggestion! 😊🙏

[@JT-91]

I disagree hard. Its not the quality to that keeps me away from Made in china. Its the treatment of their workers. I pay for Made in US because i know there is a standard when coming to the labor that makes it

[@BetweenTwoForks]

I am glad you disagree and welcome these type of conversations 😃. I too, am with you that I do not agree or support the mistreatment of workers. However, I feel that most of the time, when you see people who do not support made in China product is because they think it is lower in quality or just in general more Anti-China rather than the mistreatment of the workers.

[@gibbsm]

It's not the quality, but keeping the work and money here in the US. China just makes things to spec. that's all. My Macbook is made in China.

[@BetweenTwoForks]

I 100% support that. I'm all for keeping the work and money here in the states. It will help our economy and the working class. Definitely all for that! 😃🙌

[@djelav8]

This dude is just a Misen fan boy.

[@BetweenTwoForks]

Hey there! Thanks for supporting and watching. I am a Misen fan. Wouldn't call myself a fan boy but will definitely agree that I'm a fan! 😃

[@StevenVanOver]

Love your channel mate. I hope I can update you on the "anti-made-in-China" thing with information I am guessing you have not seen/considered before. Would love to get your feedback after considering what follows. Yes, there "used to" be a quality-standard issue vs most other modern countries. "Used to be." ... HOWEVER, that is not what the "anti-made-in-China" thing is about. It's about economic slave labor. If you are ok with your product being made with economic slave labor just so you can save a few bucks, by all means, purchase "Made in China" products. If, however, you have a conscious about economic slave labor then, of course, choose other options. The only thing I ask of you is to NOT try and repeat the debunked "quality" issue when that is not the issue at all. It's your fellow human beings. After all, everyone is either part of the solution or part of the problem. I trust you want to part of the solution, right? $65 vs $99 and you help the person making it either live life or wallow in misery. IE if you get the Misen on sale you can help 2 people wallow in misery vs help 1 live life in dignity. Isn't that a better price-point assessment rather than pennies? Your choice! Keep up the great work! Again, love and follow your channel. Thank you for your consideration.

[@BetweenTwoForks]

Hey my man! Thank you so much for your support and really appreciate you sharing. This is definitely a resounding perspective that many people share. And I am definitely behind human rights and support humanity as a whole. Part of the quality issues has got to be directly related to the lack of worker rights and fair compensation. I am a huge supporter for equal rights and just treating the fellow human well. I've had so many conversations with people about this and I believe that what is going on in China and other countries like it is a byproduct of capitalism. Without the many companies and and corporations around that only care about cheap labor and margins and numbers, there will be nothing to fuel the fire. It all boils down to greed. If Misen says they have to up their prices to $100/knife because they are moving their manufacturing to France or a country with better labor laws and no longer support the inhuman conditions of China, I'd be 1000% behind it! Thank you so much for sharing that perspective and your support in helping and educating others to move the world towards a better future! Happy Holidays!! 😃🙏

[@StevenVanOver]

@@BetweenTwoForks So cool to interact with a fellow humanist. Please continue to rock-da-house. You do it well.

[@stevenmachie1887]

Choice, quality, price, not politics.

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

The problem with "Made in China" is not quality. Because the Chinese will produce exactly the quality you ask them to and you pay them for. For years the world just asked them to deliver mostly rather cheap and therefore low quality goods. Pay them decently and you get stuff that is no worse than American, German or Japanese made products. The problem with "Made in China" is just that these companies are paying taxes to (or are even owned by) a totalitarian regime that oppresses its people and even imprisons, tortures and kills those it regards "unwanted".

[@BetweenTwoForks]

That is a very fair assessment and I completely agree with that. I definitely support fair labor laws and treating workers well. 🙌

[@MidniteClubII]

WHERES MY MISEN!! I ordered it in May and it was back ordered. They said JUNE... June is almost over!.. WHERES MY MISEN!

[@BetweenTwoForks]

Hey! Sorry to hear about your long wait. Unfortunately, I dont work for Misen, so I can't tell you about your order. It could be because of covid that there are a lot of delays. Here is their email [e-mail] If they are not responsive, try their FB page. They are fairly responsive there. Good luck!

[@MidniteClubII]

@@BetweenTwoForks I was just messin with ya. Misen finally sent me an email they shipped June 29. Thanks!

[@BetweenTwoForks]

@@MidniteClubII 😂 ok, you got me there! We've been spoiled with Amazon prime shipping

[@oliverallen5324]

Thicker blade holds its (inferior) edge longer than a thinner blade.

[@BetweenTwoForks]

Definitely! A trade off for sure. Thats why I love powdered steel. Can get a thin blade while retaining a lot of durability. Metallurgy is amazing! 🙂

[@jamesjacocks6221]

Chinese products have been derived from Western ones with the assistance of Japanese, Korean, or European/American expertise so they can be as good as they were designed to be. That being said, I expect that most of my knives, cars, and electronics will be US made because I feel that the US is the only state on the planet that does not protect its own brand.

[@BetweenTwoForks]

I am a big supporter in local made to help my community and the people in it thrive. But I understand why people have to resort to more affordable means as well 🙂

[@jamesjacocks6221]

@@BetweenTwoForks No question; buying foreign hardly makes you less American. I can afford to be choosy.

[@BetweenTwoForks]

@@jamesjacocks6221 completely and wholeheartedly agree with you. Our patriotism shouldn't be determined by our consumer options. Thank you for saying that 🙂🙏

[@ThiagoLobato]

Made in Chef cust the double of Misen

[@markqiao]

I thought Samsung phones are made in Vietnam

[@BetweenTwoForks]

Yes! Iirc about 50% and China is amongst the other few countries that makes the other 50%. 😃

[@stevenmachie1887]

@@BetweenTwoForks Korea

[@BetweenTwoForks]

@@stevenmachie1887 thank you!!

[@dark5niper1]

How is supporting poor QC BS? Chinese manufacturers have a long history of lying to companies that contract with them.With knives in particular one example is chinese manufacturer lying or changing the the steel used in manufacturing without the consent of the company that contracted them.

[@BetweenTwoForks]

I don't think I said anything about supporting poor QC. But I'm going to assume you meant not supporting poor QC. I appreciate you chiming in and I do agree that those manufacturers give a bad name to Chinese manufacturers. It is unfortunate but I don't believe that is with every manufacturer because there are some very good ones there. That's also like saying every French manufacturer is good which is just simply not true. What I'm trying to get at is, it is easy to point a finger and say it was the Chinese manufacturers' fault but not calling out the companies for allowing and selling those subpar merchandise when they know about the issues. I understand that it is also not cut and dry when contracting with Chinese manufacturers, it is definitely shady over there. But we cannot automatically assume everything made in China is bad. Then again, people should support who they believe and not support what they dont believe in. That's the good thing about free markets. 😃

[@dark5niper1]

@@BetweenTwoForks yup agreed thank you. I enjoy your videos. I'm more of a pocket knife nerd so a good example of a good company doing good business in china to me would be Kershaw.

[@BetweenTwoForks]

Thank you so much for the support! 😃🙏 I really like Kershaw knives as well. I've been holding off on jumping into the edc rabbit hole lol

[@drath5679]

I would never buy the Meisen knife the reviews are all over the board and a French forged not stamped knife is going to have a much longer useful life.. your review clearly indicates your lack of understanding of true knife making.. thanks but no thanks... Made in all day for the win 🏆.

[@BetweenTwoForks]

To each their own. You don't leave much for conversation when you make assumptions and remarks like that. To keep it respectful, I won't make an assumption about your knife making knowledge. Forged or stamped doesn't tell you anything about quality. As a stamped knife can be good quality and a forged knife can be trash, vice versa. It is all dependent on the maker/manufacturer and heat treat. A well heat treated stamped knife can be equally as robust in the kitchen as a forged knife.