I’ll be honest – when I was first sent the HORL knife sharpener to try, I was equal parts intrigued and slightly intimidated. Knife sharpening has always felt like one of those “surely I need a professional for this” tasks. You know, the kind where you either get it wrong… or you quietly give up and keep using slightly blunt knives for far too long.
So yes, it did take me a little time to figure it out, even with the basic HORL sharpener – but after a quick YouTube deep dive (highly recommend), I was up and running – and suddenly sharpening knives felt less like a chore and more like a strangely satisfying ritual.
And then… I did what any curious person would do: I emptied my entire knife drawer.
The First Roll: What It’s Like to Use
The HORL system is surprisingly simple once you get the hang of it. It’s made up of two parts: a magnetic angle support that holds your knife in place, and a rolling sharpener that glides along the blade.
No awkward wrist angles. No guesswork. No “am I doing this right?” moments.
You just roll.
The magnetic block keeps the knife steady at a consistent angle – which, it turns out, is the secret to getting a really good edge. While the grinding disc rolls gently back and forth, the blade stays perfectly positioned. It’s controlled, smooth, and (dare I say it) quite enjoyable.
15° vs 20°: Why It Actually Matters
One thing I’ve learned is that not all sharpness is created equal.
In principle, most kitchen knives can be sharpened at 20°, which gives you a strong, durable edge – perfect for everyday chopping, slicing, and all the usual kitchen chaos.
But if you’ve got a higher-quality blade? That’s where 15° comes in.
This finer angle creates a sharper, more precise edge – the kind that glides through ingredients with almost no effort. The trick is testing it: spend a few minutes sharpening at 15°, and if it’s not quite hitting the mark, switch back to 20°.
Simple. No guesswork.
The Time Factor (Spoiler: It’s Faster Than You Think)
The first time you sharpen a knife, it takes a bit longer – around 4-5 minutes on average, depending on how blunt it is and the quality of the steel.
That’s because you’re essentially resetting the blade to your chosen angle.
But here’s the magic: once that angle is established, resharpening takes barely any time at all. Just a few rolls back and forth, and you’re back to razor sharp.
It’s low effort, high reward – exactly what you want in a kitchen tool.
Why It Feels Different
There’s something oddly satisfying about using a truly sharp knife. It changes how you cook – prep becomes quicker, cleaner, and (unexpectedly) more enjoyable. HORL taps into that feeling. Developed in Germany by a father-and-son duo, Otmar and Timo Horl, the system is built around precision but designed for ease. The diamond grinding disc – made with industrial diamonds – works on steels of any hardness, while the consistent angle means you’re removing only as much material as necessary, helping your knives last longer.
In other words: it’s not just about sharpness. It’s about longevity.
Choosing the Right HORL
There are three models now available in New Zealand, depending on how serious you are about your knives:
- HORL®3 Cruise – The entry point. Simple, effective, and made from ocean-bound recycled plastic. Great for everyday use.
- HORL®3 – The all-rounder. Beautifully crafted in oak or walnut, with interchangeable discs for more flexibility.
- HORL®3 Pro – For the enthusiasts. Faster, more precise, and fully customisable with multiple angle settings.
Each one is built to last – this isn’t a throwaway gadget, it’s a long-term kitchen companion.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
If you’ve ever struggled with blunt knives (and let’s be real, most of us have), this is one of those tools that genuinely changes your kitchen experience.
It removes the intimidation factor, replaces it with something simple and repeatable, and delivers results you can actually see – and feel – immediately.
And yes… I’m now that person with a suspiciously sharp set of kitchen knives.
No regrets.
HORL® is available online and through selected stockists.
- Find your closest retailer HERE
- For more information, visit HERE
