Choosing the best knife sharpener?

Why use a knife sharpener?

Why use a knife sharpener?

Importance of a sharp knife

Using a sharp knife can make any task a pleasant and efficient experience, so knowing how to properly sharpen your blades is essential. Not only does it improve cutting efficiency, it also provides increased precision and safety, much like using a sharpening steel to hone your blade.

Reduced risk of injury

Contrary to what you might think, having knives with sharp blades significantly reduces the risk of injuries. In fact, a sharp knife requires less force, which reduces the chances of slipping and accidents.

Regular maintenance of knives

So, take care of your knives, cherish this moment when you restore all the shine and power to the blade.

By the way, here is a great sharpener that we recommend with Trend Chef if you want to keep your blade always in top condition.

MIYABI Sharpener - Steel with ceramic discs

The basics of sharpening your knives with a water stone

What is a water stone?

A water stone, also called a whetstone, is an essential tool for restoring the sharpness of knives by removing a thin layer of metal through a rubbing process.

These stones, especially the Kai brand Japanese water stones, are renowned for their exceptional sharpening performance. The low-adherence abrasive quickly breaks away, exposing new abrasive particles that continue to sharpen the blades.

Water stones come in different grits, often indicated by numbers after the name of the sharpener, for example, “Water Stone - 1000/6000” or “Sharpening Stone - 3000/6000”.

How to choose the right sharpening stone?

Choosing the grit of the sharpening stone is crucial, as it determines the abrasiveness of the surface and its effect on the blades.

It is recommended to opt for a stone with a grit of 1000 on one side and 3000 on the other to start with a more abrasive grit to remove more material, then finish with a finer grit for a perfect finish, whether for knives or scissors.

Coarse sharpening: To remove rough edges along the edge or restore a very dull blade, use 120 to 400 grit stones. We recommend 120 and 240 grit stones in this case.

Normal sharpening: 700 to 2000 grit stones are used. We recommend 700 to 1200 grit stones.

Polishing and finishing: To remove fine scratches left by coarse stones and polish the surface, use stones with a grit of around 2000. Although there is no theoretical upper limit, stones above 10000 practically do not improve the surface any more. Note that beyond 8000, there is no reliable measurement standard; you must trust the manufacturer.

How to sharpen a knife with a water stone?

Preparation of the stone

Start by submerging the stone in water for about 15 minutes. This time allows the stone to hydrate well, and once all the bubbles have disappeared, place the stone on a work surface.

Caution: Never use oil, only use water to lubricate the stone.

Prepare a work area using a clean but not too fine towel, as it may get dirty. Place the stone on the towel with the most abrasive grit facing up.

Sharpening techniques

Use regular back and forth motions, always maintaining the same angle and pressure. And once you've spent a few minutes on each side of the blade, turn the stone over and move on to a finer grit, like 3000.

To ensure you don't forget anything, work sector by sector: first the first third, then the middle, and finally the end of the blade, to sharpen all parts properly.

“Leather stropping”: for a perfect finish!

For a perfect finish, it is recommended to pass the blade over a strip of leather, called “leather stropping”, after sharpening on the stone or steel. This step allows the edge to be polished and the last micro-burrs to be removed, thus ensuring optimal sharpening.

Caution: For this final touch, you must only perform the movement in one direction to avoid damaging your knife.

Horl 2 Sharpener: A Revolutionary Tool for Sharpening Your Knives

Features of the Horl 2 sharpener

The Horl 2 sharpener stands out for its ease of use and impressive efficiency.

And now let us explain what makes it a must-have tool for any cook:

The magnetic base is coated with silicone to protect your knives, provides a secure hold. Powerful neodymium magnets ensure your blade stays in place without the risk of scratches.

Two sharpening angles are available:

• 15°: perfect for Japanese knives, sole fillets or any thin blade requiring an extremely precise but slightly more fragile edge.
• 20°: ideal for European kitchen knives, offering a good balance between sharpness and durability.

The cylinder is mounted on ball bearings, allowing for smooth and uniform sharpening along the blade.

The Horl 2 sharpener features interchangeable ceramic stones at its ends, giving you maximum flexibility and efficiency.

How to use the Horl 2 sharpener?

Using the Horl 2 sharpener is really child's play.

Simply clamp your knife against the magnetic block at a 15° or 20° angle, depending on the type of knife you are using.

Pass the cylinder with the small ceramic stone along the blade in back and forth motions. Let the stone do the work without applying excessive pressure.

Once both sides of the blade are sharpened, refine the sharpening using the ceramic grit stone and work back and forth from the heel to the tip of the blade.

Small tip: I recommend that you sharpen your knives mainly with the 20° angle but if you are a connoisseur you will know that the 15° angle is recommended for “certain” Japanese knives and in particular the sole fillet. Be careful because the 15° angle can make your blade more fragile.

The benefits of the Horl 2 sharpener for your kitchen

Precision and finesse: a well-sharpened knife allows you to make precise and fine cuts, improving the presentation and texture of your dishes.

Efficiency: Save time by cutting your ingredients faster and more efficiently.

Safety: A sharp knife requires less force, reducing the risk of slippage and injury.

Comparison: which product from the range should you buy?

The Horl 2 sharpener is available in several models to suit different knife types and budgets. Explore our selection to find the one that best suits your needs.

Cruz

Features

• Stainless steel disc
• Sharpening angle of 20°
• Price: 119 euros

The Horl Cruz is the ideal option for those looking for a quality sharpener at an affordable price. Its stainless steel disc and fixed 20° sharpening angle make it an effective choice for home use. Easy to use and compact, it offers a practical solution for keeping your knives in good condition.

Clock 2

Features

• Double disc: industrial diamond and ceramic for perfect sharpening
• Sharpening angle adjustment from 15° to 20°
• Available in oak and walnut
• Price: 159 euros

For those who want something a little more sophisticated, the Horl 2 is a great choice. With its dual diamond and ceramic disc, it guarantees precise and long-lasting sharpening. The sharpening angle adjustment between 15° and 20° allows for customization according to your needs, and its elegant design in oak or walnut adds an aesthetic touch to your kitchen.

Horl 2 Pro

Features

• Double disc: industrial diamond and ceramic for perfect sharpening
• Sharpening angle adjustment from 15° to 20°
• Features an innovative planetary gear that spins the disc 3 times faster than the Horl 2
• Constructed from aluminum, which makes it heavier and more robust
• Price: 299 euros

For the most demanding users, willing to invest in a high-end product offering exceptional performance, the Horl 2 Pro is the ultimate option. Its double disc and angle adjustment allow for perfect sharpening, while the innovative planetary gear increases efficiency, making the process three times faster. Its aluminum construction ensures increased robustness and durability. If you want an even faster and smoother result, the Horl 2 Pro is for you.

FAQ

How do I know when my knife is sharp enough?

You will know you have succeeded when the felt mark has completely disappeared, indicating that you have removed the material evenly.

Which water stone should I choose for my knife?

Chef's knives and paring knives: Use a medium to fine grit (1000-3000), then finish with a fine grit (5000-8000) for optimal sharpness.

Sashimi knives (yanagiba): choose a very fine grain stone (6000-8000) for a perfect polished finish.

Serrated knives: opt for a fine ceramic sharpening rod or a specific stone.

How to maintain a sharpening stone?

To ensure a long life for your sharpening stone and maintain its performance, it is important to maintain it properly.

Cleaning: After each use, rinse the stone thoroughly with clean water to remove metal residue and abrasive particles. Use a soft brush if necessary to remove embedded particles.

Dry: Allow the stone to air dry before storing. Do not soak it in water after use, as this may affect its structure.

How to clean the diamond and ceramic surfaces of the Horl?

If sharpening dust residues remain on the diamond and ceramic surfaces after a few sharpening movements, these can be removed with an eraser. If necessary, the diamond surface can be unscrewed and then cleaned with warm water, washing-up liquid and a brush. In the case of only light soiling, cleaning with an eraser is sufficient.

How long does sharpening last with Horl brand sharpeners?

The length of time it takes to sharpen a knife to regain its sharpness can vary depending on the condition of the blade and the quality of its steel. The duration of sharpening depends on factors such as the quality of the steel or the maintenance of the knife in the past. On average, it takes five minutes, because the knife must first learn the chosen angle (15° or 20°). By maintaining a constant sharpening angle, a few sharpening movements are then enough to maintain the knife's sharpness.