Is The Tumbler Original Better Than The HORL 2? I Tested Both For 90 Days

Do You Hate To Have Dull Knives In Your Kitchen?

Does sharpening your knives feel like a frustrating chore you put off until absolutely necessary?

Well, I’d like to introduce you to the Tumbler Rolling Knife sharpener, a cutting-edge (pun intended) solution that will change how you think about maintaining your blades.

We’re going to cover:
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• Why is the Tumbler so easy to use
• How well the Tumbler sharpens vs other sharpeners like the HORL 2
• Why tumbler is the best choice for 95% of the home cooks who want simple, effective sharpening

So finally, I did it.

I got my hands on the viral Tumbler Rolling Knife sharpener – and let me tell you, it is a game-changer.

The Tumbler Original comes in just 2 simple pieces. 

It’s sleek, innovative, and a huge upgrade from your average whetstone or pull-through sharpener that does more harm than good.

But this would be a terrible article if I didn’t show you exactly why it outperforms even “premium” competitors like the HORL 2.

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Let’s dive in and see why the Tumbler earns a permanent spot on your countertop.

‍Tumbler’s Unique Edge (Literally)

The Tumbler Original has a distinctive design that’s all about simplicity, efficiency and precision.

It comes with two primary pieces: The Sharpening Roller and The Magnetic Knife Holder, whereas the HORL 2 comes with 4 - with both sharpening surfaces being removable (more about this at the end).

What I love most about the Tumbler is how user-friendly it is.

The roller glides effortlessly across the blade, providing consistent pressure and angle.

‍Key Features of the Tumbler Magnetic Blade Guide:
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• Holds your knife at the perfect sharpening angle.
• Two Sharpening Surfaces: A coarse side for initial sharpening and a fine side for polishing.
• Compact Design: Takes up minimal space on your countertop.

And here’s the best part: the Tumbler doesn’t require any water or oil, so there’s no mess to clean up.


‍Why the Tumbler Outshines the HORL 2

‍While the HORL 2 definitely looks pretty with an engraved logo, but we found some pretty critical drawbacks with it that we’ll walk you through shortly. The Original Tumbler the other hand is simple: it makes sharpening easier, faster, and more accessible for everyday home cooks.

Here’s Why:

• Ease of Use: The magnetic blade guide ensures perfect alignment every time, eliminating guesswork.
• Affordability: The Tumbler provides the same sharpening results at a lower cost than the HORL 2.
• Safety: We found the Tumbler to be much safer to use due it's stronger magnet (results below).

Now before we dive in, here’s the TLDR:

Magnet Strength
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The Tumbler Wins

‍If you think rolling knife sharpeners look dangerous, pay attention.

This one is very important, as both sharpeners are only as safe as the magnets are strong. We put both to the test to see which was better and the results were clear.
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First we tested both magnets with the Magnetometer app on the iPhone and the Tumbler won by just a few points.

However, our next magnet test was much more revealing… and is the main reason why the Tumbler’s knife holder is so much stronger than the HORL.
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The Tumbler simply has 3 magnets on each side of the knife holder. The HORL 2 only has 2. 🤯

Tumbler wins for a very obvious reason.

‍Ease of Use 

‍The Tumbler is incredibly easy to use compared to traditional methods and even the HORL 2.

As you can see in the below video, we found that the Tumbler's Magnetic Knife holder held the knife MUCH stronger than the HORL 2, making it much easier to use right out of the box.

The Tumbler wins again.
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Sharpening Performance
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‍After thoroughly sharpening each kitchen knife, I tested both against the most difficult vegetable to cut that I eat on a regular basis - the spaghetti squash.

Keep in mind, these are basic kitchen knifes, but I can assure you that the knives were significantly easier to cut with after using both sharpers.

Here’s what I found:

• Tumbler: Easily sliced through the spaghetti squash with little resistance.
• HORL 2: Easily cut through the squash with minimal resistance.

Both sharpeners delivered the same consistent sharpness, but the Tumbler was easier to use.

Rolling Performance

‍Other reviews online showed issues with rolling, so this was an important factor for me.

• Tumbler: Perfectly smooth. No issues.
• HORL 2: Virtually 0 difference from the Tumbler.

Price and Value

‍Here’s where the Tumbler truly shines.

Tumbler delivers the same sharpness for a fraction of the price - why pay more for extra complexity?

• Tumbler: Budget-friendly and accessible for 95% of home cooks.
• HORL 2: A premium investment that doesn't live up to the hype.

If you’re someone who values efficiency and results without breaking the bank, the Tumbler is the clear choice.


‍Longevity

How many knives will these sharpen?
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Lastly, I asked the customer service at both companies how long the sharpener will last and got interesting answers….

‍Tumbler:

‍HORL:

I initially thought that the removable discs on the HORL were there so you could replace them in the future but the product apparently never needs to be replaced...

Sounds a bit fishy from a company that also has a limited warranty.

While both Tumbler and HORL didn't have great information about the longevity of the product, I found that Tumbler was more transparent.

Both companies affirmed that the rolling knife sharpeners will last a very long time.
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The Verdict

‍The Tumbler is the undisputed winner for 95% of everyday home cooks who want a simple, effective, and affordable way to sharpen their knives.

If you’re ready to get sharp without the hassle, the Tumbler is your best bet.

‍Is the Tumbler Worth It?

‍Absolutely.

Ask yourself:

• Do you hate struggling with dull knives?
• Do you value your time and effort in the kitchen?
• If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need the Tumbler in your kitchen.

What I found is that the best knife sharpener is the one that you can use the most.
Whichever you choose, just remember: a sharp knife is a safe knife, and the Tumbler will make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable and efficient.

Click the link below to get sharpening.