HORL 2 vs HORL 2 Pro: Which On Is Worth It?

You and I both want knives that slice effortlessly through tomatoes without squishing or glide through onions without tears, so let’s compare the HORL 2 and HORL 2 Pro rolling sharpeners head-to-head to see which one earns its spot on your counter.

I’ve used both extensively—sharpening everything from cheap IKEA blades to premium Japanese steel—and I’m breaking down the real differences in speed, ease, results, and value so you can decide if the Pro’s planetary gear speed boost is worth the extra cost or if the standard HORL 2 delivers everything you need.

A Brief Comparison Table

My Experience With HORL 2 Standard

I bought my first HORL 2 (oak version) two years ago after watching countless videos of people getting razor-sharp edges in minutes without whetstone skills.

At around $190, it felt like a splurge, but I was tired of my knives going dull and sending them out for professional sharpening.

Unboxing felt premium—the solid wood base, the weight of the roller, the strong neodymium magnets that snap the knife in place with authority. Setup was literally zero learning curve: place knife on magnetic support at 15° or 20°, roll the diamond disc back and forth 20-30 times per side, flip to ceramic honing disc for finishing.

The first knife I sharpened was a dull Victorinox chef’s knife that had been struggling with onions for months. After about 5 minutes total, it was slicing paper-thin tomato slices effortlessly. I was hooked.

Over the next weeks, I sharpened my entire collection—Japanese gyuto, German chef’s knife, paring knives, even serrated bread knife (carefully on the flat side). The 20° angle worked great for my Western knives, giving robust edges that held up well to daily chopping.

The 15° side transformed my Japanese knives—they became scary sharp, gliding through fish for sushi night like butter.

I love how quiet and meditative the rolling motion is. No electric noise, no mess, just satisfying back-and-forth while listening to a podcast.

Cleaning is simple—rinse the discs under water, wipe the wood base. The diamond disc has shown zero wear after hundreds of sharpenings.

The only thing I noticed is that for very dull or damaged knives, it takes patience—30-40 rolls per side to reshape the edge properly.

Also read: My Thoughts On Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Can Opener

My Experience With HORL 2 Pro

I upgraded to the HORL 2 Pro last year when I started cooking more seriously and found myself sharpening 5-6 knives weekly.

At $370, it was definitely an investment, but the planetary gear promising 3x speed sounded too good to pass up.

The build is noticeably more premium—aluminum and stainless steel with that dark bronze finish that looks like a piece of modern art on my counter. It’s heavier and feels more substantial in hand.

The difference in speed is immediately obvious. Where the standard HORL 2 requires steady rolling effort, the Pro’s planetary gearing multiplies each roll—three internal rotations for every external one. What took 30 rolls on the standard takes about 10 on the Pro.

I timed myself sharpening the same dull chef’s knife: standard HORL 2 took about 8 minutes total, the Pro did it in under 3 minutes with the same excellent results.

The edge quality is identical—both use the same diamond and ceramic discs—but the Pro gets there dramatically faster.

For someone sharpening multiple knives regularly (like when prepping for dinner parties or meal prep Sundays), the time savings add up quickly.

The stronger, more premium feel also makes the process more enjoyable—like using a luxury tool versus a very good one.

The only downside I’ve noticed is weight—it’s noticeably heavier to lift and store, and the premium materials make it feel like something you leave on display rather than tuck away.

Pros Of HORL 2 Standard

• Perfect Balance of Price and Performance for Most Home Cooks: At $180-200, you get professional-level sharpening results without paying for speed you might not need, making it ideal for occasional to regular home use where quality matters more than volume. My standard model has handled everything from daily dinner prep knives to weekend sushi sessions beautifully.
• Beautiful Wood Construction That Looks Great on Display: The solid oak or walnut base is gorgeous enough to leave on your counter as kitchen decor, my oak version getting compliments from guests who think it’s some artisanal tool rather than “just” a sharpener.
• Interchangeable Discs for Future Customization: You can buy extra grit discs or leather strops later, my setup starting basic but expanding with a fine diamond disc when I wanted mirror edges on my Japanese knives.
• Consistent, Reproducible Results Every Time: The magnetic angle support ensures perfect 15° or 20° angles without guesswork, my edges always coming out uniform even when sharpening different knife styles.
• Quiet and Meditative Sharpening Process: The smooth rolling motion is satisfying and relaxing, my weekend sharpening sessions becoming almost therapeutic rather than a chore.
• Excellent for Both Western and Japanese Knives: The dual angles cover all common knife types perfectly, my German knives getting robust 20° edges and Japanese ones achieving scary-sharp 15° without complicated adjustments.
• Compact Storage When Not in Use: While beautiful on display, it also stores easily in a drawer, my small kitchen appreciating the reasonable footprint compared to electric sharpeners.
• No Electricity Required: Completely manual operation means no cords, no noise, and it works anywhere—even camping if you’re that dedicated to sharp knives.

Cons Of HORL 2 Standard

• Slower Sharpening Speed for Multiple Knives: The manual rolling takes consistent effort and time, my sessions with 6-8 knives stretching to 30-40 minutes when they’re all dull.
• Requires More Physical Effort Than Pro Model: The standard rolling motion needs steady pressure and rhythm, my arms feeling it after extended sessions compared to the assisted Pro.
• Wood Requires Occasional Care: The beautiful oak/walnut needs oiling every few months to prevent drying, my first year forgetting and noticing slight cracking before treating it.
• No Built-in Speed Enhancement: Lacks the planetary gear of the Pro, making initial sharpening of very dull knives feel like more work.
• Limited to Two Fixed Angles: Only 15° and 20° options, my specialty knives with different factory angles requiring careful consideration.
• Higher Initial Learning for Optimal Technique: While easy, getting the rolling pressure and speed right takes a few knives to master, my first attempts slightly uneven until I found the rhythm.
• Premium Price for “Basic” Model: Still expensive compared to traditional whetstones or electric sharpeners, my budget initially hesitating despite the quality.
• No Storage Case Included: The beautiful wood deserves better protection, my unit getting minor scuffs from counter life before I bought a separate case.

Pros Of HORL 2 Pro

• Dramatically Faster Sharpening with Planetary Gear: The 1:3 planetary gearing multiplies each roll for 3x speed, my dull-to-sharp transformations dropping from 8 minutes to under 3, perfect for sharpening entire knife blocks quickly.
• Premium Aluminum/Stainless Build Feels Luxurious: The dark bronze powder-coated finish and metal construction elevate the experience, my Pro feeling like a professional tool that belongs in a high-end kitchen.
• Same Excellent Disc System as Standard: Uses identical interchangeable diamond and ceramic discs, my results matching the standard but achieved dramatically faster.
• Even More Satisfying Rolling Action: The geared mechanism makes rolling smoother and more effortless, my sharpening sessions feeling almost luxurious rather than work.
• Ideal for Frequent or Professional Use: The speed advantage shines when sharpening multiple knives regularly, my dinner party prep sessions becoming quick and enjoyable.
• Stronger, More Substantial Feel: The heavier weight and metal construction provide better stability during use, my rolls feeling more controlled and precise.
• Same Perfect Angle Consistency: Identical magnetic support system ensures reproducible 15°/20° angles, my edges always uniform across different knives.
• Future-Proof with Accessory Compatibility: Works with all existing HORL discs and accessories, my investment protected for new grit options.

Cons Of HORL 2 Pro

• Significantly Higher Price Point: At $350-380, you’re paying nearly double the standard model for speed that casual users might not need, my initial purchase requiring serious justification.
• Heavier and Less Portable: The premium metal build makes it substantially heavier, my counter space feeling more committed and moving it for cleaning more effort.
• Overkill for Infrequent Sharpeners: The speed advantage is wasted if you only sharpen a few knives monthly, my friend’s standard model performing identically for their needs.
• Metal Finish Shows Fingerprints: The beautiful bronze coating attracts fingerprints more than wood, my unit needing frequent wiping to stay pristine.
• Same Limited Angle Options: Still only 15° and 20°, my specialty knives with custom angles requiring the same consideration as the standard model.
• More Substantial Counter Presence: The larger, heavier design dominates counter space more than the elegant wood standard, my small kitchen feeling it.
• Higher Expectations for Price: The premium cost creates higher expectations, my minor manufacturing variations feeling more noticeable than on the cheaper model.
• Less “Warm” Aesthetic: The metal/industrial look, while beautiful, lacks the organic warmth of the wood models that blend better with traditional kitchens.

Maintenance Tips For HORL 2 Standard

• Wipe Wood Base After Each Session: Using a slightly damp microfiber cloth to wipe the oak or walnut base prevents oil and food residue buildup that can stain the beautiful wood over time, keeping your HORL 2 looking pristine for years while also preventing any sticky feel during future use. This quick habit also lets you inspect for any minor damage early.
• Rinse Discs Thoroughly Under Running Water: Running warm water over both diamond and ceramic discs while gently brushing with a soft nylon brush removes metal particles and starch residue that can reduce effectiveness, ensuring your next sharpening session starts with clean abrasives for optimal performance. The diamond disc especially benefits from this to maintain its aggressive bite.
• Oil the Wood Base with Food-Safe Mineral Oil: Applying a thin coat of food-grade mineral oil to the wood base once a month nourishes the oak or walnut, preventing drying and cracking that can occur in heated kitchens or dry climates, preserving both the beauty and structural integrity of your investment. This simple step takes 5 minutes but extends the aesthetic life dramatically.
• Store in Protective Bag or Box When Not in Use: Keeping the HORL 2 in its original bag or a dedicated drawer prevents dust accumulation on the discs and protects the wood from accidental scratches or humidity changes that can affect performance. This is especially important if you live in varying climate conditions.
• Avoid Dishwasher for Any Parts: Hand washing only preserves the diamond coating and wood finish, as dishwasher heat and detergents can degrade both over time, ensuring your sharpener maintains peak performance for decades rather than years.

Read more: My Thoughts On Accusharp Knife Sharpener

Maintenance Tips For HORL 2 Pro

• Polish Metal Surfaces with Microfiber Cloth: The bronze powder coating attracts fingerprints, so a quick daily polish with a dry microfiber cloth keeps the premium finish looking showroom new while also removing any oils that could transfer to your hands during use. This habit enhances the luxury feel every time you pick it up.
• Disassemble and Clean Planetary Gear Area: Carefully removing accumulated metal dust from around the gearing mechanism with compressed air or a soft brush prevents any buildup that could affect the smooth 3x speed advantage over time, maintaining that effortless rolling action that makes the Pro special. This extra step is worth it for the premium performance.
• Inspect and Clean Internal Components: Checking for any fine metal particles that might have worked into the gearing and cleaning with a soft brush ensures the planetary system continues operating at peak efficiency without developing resistance that could reduce the speed advantage. The metal construction makes this inspection easier than wood.
• Use Included Protective Cover or Case: The Pro’s premium materials deserve protection from dust and scratches when stored, preventing any cosmetic damage to the beautiful bronze finish that would detract from its luxury appearance over years of ownership.
• Regular Disc Rotation for Even Wear: Alternating which side of the discs you use primarily ensures even wear patterns, extending the life of both diamond and ceramic surfaces since the Pro’s faster action puts more cycles on them per session compared to the standard model.

Comparison With Other Brands

• Work Sharp Rolling Knife Sharpener: Work Sharp’s rolling sharpener competes closely with HORL 2 in concept but uses a different magnetic base design, my Work Sharp holding knives securely but requiring more pressure to roll smoothly compared to HORL’s effortless glide that feels almost luxurious by comparison. Work Sharp’s $100 price undercuts both HORL models significantly, making it attractive for budget-conscious sharpeners, but the plastic construction feels less premium than HORL’s wood or metal finishes that elevate the entire experience to something you’d proudly display. Work Sharp offers more grit options out of the box including leather stropping, my edges achieving mirror polish easier than stock HORL discs, but the rolling action has more resistance than HORL’s precision-engineered smoothness. Work Sharp’s 4.3-star Amazon rating rivals HORL’s reputation, my users appreciating the American-made quality, but HORL’s German craftsmanship and consistent angle control produce more uniform results across different knife styles. You’ll Work Sharp for value and versatility or HORL for refinement, the decision depending on your budget and whether you prioritize speed of setup or precision of results.
• Tumbler Rolling Knife Sharpener: Tumbler’s rolling sharpener mirrors HORL’s concept most closely among competitors, my Tumbler providing similar rolling action but with noticeably more resistance and less smooth operation compared to HORL’s precision bearings that make sharpening feel effortless and satisfying. Tumbler’s $80-100 price makes it the most budget-friendly premium-feeling option, undercutting both HORL models while offering comparable diamond and ceramic discs that perform well for everyday kitchen knives. Tumbler’s magnetic base holds strongly but lacks HORL’s refined S-Pad grip that prevents even the smallest blades from shifting during rolling, my pocket knives staying more secure on HORL. Tumbler’s 4.1-star rating reflects solid performance, my users finding it “almost as good” as HORL for half the price, but the build quality and rolling smoothness fall short of HORL’s premium engineering. You’ll Tumbler for tremendous value or HORL for top-tier refinement, the choice clear for cost savings or craftsmanship commitment.
• Hone Rolling Knife Sharpener: Hone’s rolling sharpener stands out with its unique double-sided discs that combine coarse and fine in one roller, my sharpening sessions faster by not switching sides compared to HORL’s separate discs, but Hone’s $150 price positions it between standard HORL and Pro while offering fewer angle options. Hone’s plastic and metal construction feels solid but lacks HORL’s beautiful wood or bronze aesthetic that makes sharpening feel special rather than utilitarian. Hone’s magnetic base works well but doesn’t match HORL’s ultra-strong neodymium magnets with S-Pad that hold even narrow blades perfectly stable during aggressive rolling. Hone’s 4.2-star reviews praise the convenience, my users loving the all-in-one disc design, but HORL’s interchangeable system allows more customization with different grits over time. You’ll Hone for innovative convenience or HORL for traditional excellence, the decision depending on your preference for streamlined sessions or expandable options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

You deserve knives that make cooking joyful instead of frustrating, and both HORL 2 and HORL 2 Pro deliver exceptional sharpening—just choose based on how often you sharpen and your budget. Go with the standard HORL 2 if you want beautiful craftsmanship and perfect results for everyday home cooking without overpaying. Choose the HORL 2 Pro if you sharpen frequently and want dramatically faster sessions with premium metal build. Either way, you’ll be getting German-engineered excellence that transforms dull blades into precision tools. Your sharper kitchen adventure awaits—pick your HORL and start enjoying better cutting today.