Horl Sharpeners: FAQ

We're incredibly excited about Horl sharpeners and would like to explain why.

What Makes Horl2 Knife Sharpeners So Good?

Horl has revolutionized the world of sharpening. While we still recommend whetstones and strops for passionate self-sharpeners (due to the greater freedom to sharpen specifically), we have to be honest: most people don't use their stones enough and let their knives become duller than necessary.

With Horl sharpeners, you can get your knives razor-sharp again within 10 minutes (depending on the model), without worrying about the wrong sharpening angle.

Horl Sharpeners vs. Other Options

We often get questions about which option is better than the other. That's why we made a comparison:

Horl vs. Whetstones

For the enthusiastic sharpener, stones offer more choices and freedom. With stones, you have control over the angle and can polish to a higher level of fineness.

  Pros of whetstones: more choices and freedom (choice of coarser and finer stones).

  Cons of whetstones: it is more challenging to maintain the correct angle, they can scratch your knife, they often need to be soaked first, and they take up more space.

Horl vs. Minosharp

For years, Minosharp was the most popular sharpener, and we're still fans of it. But in terms of finish and the ability to sharpen thicker knives, Horl is a better choice.

  Pros of Minosharp: possibly easier to use, compact, and cheaper.

  Cons of Minosharp: sharpens somewhat coarser, and thicker knives don't fit in the sharpener.

Horl vs. Honing Rods / Sharpening Steels

Many people already have a classic honing rod in their kitchen drawer. However, these do not sharpen your knives but hone them. Often, they are not used correctly or at the right angle. Read more about this in our article on honing rods and sharpening steels.

  Pros of honing rods / sharpening steels: quicker to use, takes up less space, and cheaper.

  Cons of honing rods / sharpening steels: honing rods don't sharpen, a diamond steel is too coarse, a ceramic steel is brittle. They usually have only one level of coarseness, leading to a less good finish, and offer no help in maintaining the correct angle.

Can You Sharpen Only Kitchen Knives with a Horl?

Horl sharpeners are primarily made for kitchen knives. With some adjustments, they can also be used for pocket knives, but due to the many different blade shapes, they are not suitable for all models.

Can You Sharpen Bread Knives with It?

Theoretically, it is possible, but keep in mind that bread knives are sharpened differently than regular knives. We recommend not using the magnetic stand. Hold the Horl sharpener at an angle and sharpen the knife on the non-hollow side of the serrations.

Can You Sharpen Small Knives?

Yes, you can do this by placing the knife higher on the magnetic stand. Make sure you hold the knife as straight as possible when placing it.

Can You Sharpen Extra Wide Knives?

Yes, through the following tip. If a knife is extra wide, the Horl will not have enough height to sharpen the knife. You can solve this problem by placing the sharpener on an elevation, such as a cutting board. Roll over the cutting board to sharpen the knife.

How Do You Clean the Ceramic Discs?

The simplest way is to unscrew them from the sharpener and rub the ceramic sides against each other. Rotate the discs a few times in a twisting motion, and they are clean again.

If you have only one disc, you can clean it with an eraser or some sandpaper. Rub it a few times, and the metal residues will disappear.

How Do You Clean the Diamond Disc?

Unscrew the disc from the sharpener and wash it with lukewarm water, a little soap, and a brush. Make sure to dry the disc well to make it like new again.

Is Horl Suitable for Hard Japanese (Damascus) Knives?

Yes, we do recommend using the ceramic discs preferably. These remove less material and provide a sharper finish.

Is Horl Also Suitable for Ceramic Knives?

Horl is not suitable for ceramic knives. We recommend a diamond stone or a diamond-coated steel for these knives. Read more about this in our article about diamond stones and ceramic knives.

Is Horl Worth the Investment?

We believe that Horl is worth every cent. The ease of use, the speed, the optimal sharpening angle, and the finish are truly superb. For the person who wants to maintain their knives well but doesn't want to spend hours doing so, Horl is an excellent choice. With proper care, it will last a lifetime. And let's be honest: good knives deserve good care.

Conclusion

So, is Horl the best sharpener out there? Perhaps not for the die-hard sharpener who wants complete control over the process, but for anyone else: definitely. It combines ease of use with a high-quality finish, making it an excellent choice for most people.