If you’re a home cook or a professional chef, you know that sharp knives are key to a smooth cooking experience. But let’s be honest—knife sharpening can feel like a bit of an art form, especially if you’re not keen on mastering a whetstone. That’s where the HORL 2 Oak Rolling Knife Sharpener steps in. Combining German engineering with a user-friendly design, this sharpener is all about making your blades razor-sharp with minimal effort. Let’s dig into what makes this tool stand out.
Key Features of the HORL 2
German Engineering and Design
The HORL 2 is a fine example of German craftsmanship. Made from high-quality oak wood sourced from the Black Forest, this sharpener doesn’t just look good—it’s built to last. You can feel the durability in its weight and finish. Every detail, from the magnetic angle support to the diamond-coated sharpening discs, is designed to make sharpening as precise as possible.
There’s something deeply satisfying about using a tool that’s crafted with such attention to detail. The oak wood body isn’t just a stylistic choice—it’s part of what gives the HORL 2 its solid feel. Plus, the use of industrial diamond and ceramic discs means this sharpener will maintain its edge for years to come.
Two Angle Options: 15° and 20°
Here’s where things get interesting: the HORL 2 comes with two angle settings—15° for thinner Japanese blades and 20° for Western knives. Whether you’re working with a nimble nakiri or a hefty chef’s knife, this sharpener has you covered. The fixed angle support ensures that each pass you make is precise and uniform, saving your blade from uneven wear.
Not sure what angle your knife needs? No problem. Most Western kitchen knives are set at 20°, while Japanese blades tend to have a finer edge at 15°. With the HORL 2, you don’t need to worry about guessing the right angle—it’s built into the system.
Diamond and Ceramic Discs
The sharpening process is straightforward. Start with the diamond-coated disc to restore dull knives, then switch to the ceramic honing disc to polish the edge. The diamond disc is hard enough to handle any steel, while the ceramic disc smooths and finishes the blade, leaving it ready for anything from slicing through tomatoes to chopping herbs.
What’s great about this combination is that you don’t have to swap out stones or figure out grit levels. The two-in-one design allows you to seamlessly move from sharpening to honing, cutting down on time and effort. It’s simplicity at its finest, but don’t let that fool you—the results are impressive.
Magnetic Angle Support
One of the standout features of the HORL 2 is the magnetic angle support. This clever addition holds your knife at the perfect angle throughout the sharpening process. No more guessing or eyeballing—it’s locked in, providing consistent results every time.
The magnet is strong enough to hold even larger knives in place, which means you can sharpen without worrying about the blade slipping or shifting. It’s this kind of detail that makes the HORL 2 a standout option, especially for those who aren’t keen on learning the intricacies of whetstone sharpening.
Practical Uses of the HORL 2
Sharpening a Variety of Knives
The HORL 2 is versatile. Whether you’re sharpening a chef’s knife, a santoku, or even a bread knife, this tool is designed to handle it all. The 15° angle is perfect for fine Japanese knives, while the 20° setting works wonders on heavier Western blades. You can even use it on pocket knives or serrated blades.
Unlike other sharpeners that might limit you to a specific type of knife, the HORL 2’s dual-angle system means you can sharpen your entire collection without switching tools. It’s like having a custom sharpening service, but right in your kitchen.
Maintaining Knife Edge Over Time
We all know that sharpening a knife too frequently can wear down the blade. That’s where the ceramic honing disc comes in. You don’t always need a full sharpening session to keep your knives in shape. With the HORL 2, you can simply hone the blade to realign the edge, keeping it sharp without removing too much material.
This is especially useful if you’re cooking regularly and just need a quick touch-up before tackling a big meal prep session. A few passes on the honing disc, and your knife is ready to go.
How to Use the HORL 2 Oak Rolling Knife Sharpener
The setup for the HORL 2 couldn’t be easier. Place your knife against the magnetic angle support, select the correct angle (15° or 20°), and begin rolling the sharpener along the blade. Start with the diamond disc to sharpen the edge, then flip the sharpener to the ceramic side to finish it off.
What’s great about this process is how intuitive it feels. You don’t need to worry about pressure or technique—the roller takes care of it. Just let the sharpener do the work as you glide it back and forth.
Time and Effort Required
Sharpening a knife with the HORL 2 takes just a couple of minutes per side. It’s fast, efficient, and much simpler than using a whetstone, which can take up to 20 minutes for a similar result. If your knives just need a touch-up, using the ceramic honing side can take less than a minute.
This makes the HORL 2 ideal for busy home cooks or professionals who don’t have time to fuss with more complicated methods.
Pros
Cons
Comparison with Other Knife Sharpeners
HORL 2 vs. Traditional Whetstones: When comparing the HORL 2 to a traditional whetstone, the main advantage is simplicity. A whetstone requires a steady hand, the correct sharpening angle, and a lot of patience. The HORL 2 eliminates all of that guesswork. No soaking stones, no trying to hold the perfect angle—just fast, consistent results every time.
That said, a whetstone can be more gentle on knives with very specific bevel angles, while the HORL 2 is locked into 15° or 20°.
HORL 2 vs. Pull-Through Sharpeners: Pull-through sharpeners are often the go-to for convenience, but they can wear down your blades quickly by removing too much metal. The HORL 2, with its diamond and ceramic discs, is far gentler. It restores the edge without sacrificing the longevity of your knife, making it a smarter choice in the long run.
Conclusion
The HORL 2 Oak Rolling Knife Sharpener is a game-changer for anyone looking to keep their kitchen knives sharp without the hassle of traditional sharpening methods. Its German engineering, high-quality materials, and user-friendly design make it a standout tool in any kitchen. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, this sharpener brings precision, durability, and ease into one sleek package.
Ready to bring your dull knives back to life? The HORL 2 is a tool worth considering. It takes the guesswork out of sharpening and delivers results that will have you slicing and dicing with ease.
Dustin Barnard is the editor-in-cheif at Urban Heavenly, a platform dedicated to making homes more beautiful and functional. With a passion for design and a keen eye for detail, Dustin shares practical advice, innovative ideas, and DIY tips to help homeowners transform their spaces into personal sanctuaries.