Founded in 2016 in Freiburg by Otmar and Timo Horl, Horl 1993 GmbH is a specialist in roller sharpeners for knives. Located in the heart of the Black Forest, this family-run business has revolutionised knife sharpening, creating products that reflect the values of traditional German craftsmanship while integrating the latest technology. Thanks to their ease of use and effective design, HORL® roller sharpeners allow you to achieve professional results with minimal effort. Our passion for ars venandi leads us to use knives in various contexts, which is why we are very sensitive to the topic.
We had the opportunity to test the HORL 2 model in the walnut variant.
The set includes:
– the sharpening roller which has the diamond wheel on one side and the ceramic disc on the other;
– the silicone support with powerful neodymium magnets that allows you to fix the knife and choose the sharpening angle of the same.
Diamond Wheel: Fast and precise sharpening
The standard grit diamond wheel is one of the key elements of the sharpening system. Made with high-quality industrial diamonds, this wheel can quickly and accurately sharpen steel knives of any hardness, without the need for water. The result? A blade that is as sharp as if it had just come out of the factory. An additional advantage is the durability of the wheel: if used correctly, there will be no need to replace it.
Ceramic Deburring Disc: For a perfect finish
After using the diamond wheel, the ceramic deburring disc comes into play to add the finishing touch to the sharpening. This disc allows you to further smooth the blade, removing any imperfections and refining the cutting edge for an even finer result. The grooves built into the disc collect the dust residue from sharpening, keeping the blade clean and ready for use.
HORL® Silicone Support: Stability and precision guaranteed
The innovative silicone holder ensures constant stability during sharpening. Thanks to the powerful built-in neodymium magnets, the knife is firmly fixed in place, preventing unwanted movements and ensuring the same blade angle with every use.
The two sharpening angles available are 15° and 20°. The first is ideal for thin blades, such as those in Damascus steel and high-quality carbon steel, typical of Asian knives that require a precise and delicate finish.
The second angle, on the other hand, is perfect for more robust blades, such as European and outdoor knives, ensuring a long-lasting edge and the ability to tackle any type of cut.
The 4 Simple Steps to Sharpen a Knife
- PLACE
Place the sharpening gauge with the feet on the work surface and secure the knife to the gauge, choosing the desired angle and making sure it is secure. - SHARPEN
With one hand, hold the wheel by the cylindrical handle and, with the other, the sharpening gauge. Move the diamond wheel slowly and in a steady motion back and forth along the entire blade, without applying too much pressure. - DROOL
Rotate the knife sharpener 180° and repeat step 2 using the ceramic deburring disc to remove burrs and sharpen the edge. - SPIN
Turn the knife over and repeat steps 3 and 4 on the other side of the blade to achieve even sharpness and a perfect cut.
For knives with a particularly tall blade, where the blade exceeds the height of the cylindrical grinding wheel, place the sharpener on a cutting board high enough for the blade to fall within the radius of the diamond grinding wheel.
For small knives, it is best to attach the knife to the gauge with the blade facing up, so that the blade protrudes above the height of the gauge. The back of the blade should not touch the work surface.
First use
When using HORL, it may take a variable amount of time for the knife to become sharp, depending on the condition of the blade and the quality of the steel. When using the HORL diamond wheel for the first time, it is normal to hear a gradual decrease in the grinding noise. This is because excess diamond particles are being detached due to friction. After a few minutes, the noise will subside and the surface of the wheel will feel noticeably smoother. At this point, the grain should be barely noticeable to the touch, indicating that the wheel is ready for use.
The Marker Method
To understand the sharpening times, the house recommends the Marker Method. The marker method allows you to visually check the sharpening progress. It consists of carefully coloring the knife edge on both sides using a marker. During the sharpening process, when the color has been removed from both sides, it will mean that the edge has been sharpened correctly.
HORL 2 represents a versatile, precise sharpener suitable for all needs. Whether it is to sharpen a daily kitchen knife or to keep a fine blade in perfect condition, HORL 2 is the ideal solution for anyone looking for the highest quality and precision. Its strong points are represented by the sharpening angle that remains fixed on the entire blade, the possibility of sharpening blades of any size and the ease of use and cleaning of the sharpener. The HORL® sharpener is at the same time a very useful and functional tool and an elegant object with an innovative and clean design, which makes it an original and winning gift idea.
HORL 2
Manufacturer and Distributor : HORL 1993 GmbH Breisacher Straße 8679110 Freiburg, Germany
Variations: Walnut and Oak
Sharpening angles: 15° and 20°
Features: Diamond Wheel and Ceramic Deburring Disc
Moles: Interchangeable
Price: 159 €
Availability: In the best gun shops and cutlery shops or online on the website https://www.horl.com