With our sharpeners, we want to make it possible for everyone to sharpen knives so that using them becomes a real pleasure. Our aim is no-compromise when it comes to quality and to create products that will serve their owners for a long time.
Our story began with a good instinct and a lot of imagination. And ultimately the gut feeling that something great can come out of a simple idea. Because no one was asking for a novel knife sharpener.
Timo's and Otmar's design and construction skills initially gave rise to the first generation of sharpeners, but they subsequently moved the business from their cellar workshop and the company now occupies three office locations in Freiburg.
Together with our growing team, we continue to write the HORL® story and are delighted to inspire more and more people nationally and internationally.
After several years of development, introduction of the 1st generation of HORL® sharpeners and launch of the web shop.
Stand at the first consumer fair in Freiburg.
Acquisition of first specialist dealers and participation at various consumer fairs.
Decision to found the company.
Move to the first business premises and hiring of initial employees.
Expansion of production capacities and the product range.
International expansion of the distribution channels. Initial trade partners in Austria, France, Switzerland and Japan are supplied.
The network increases to over 200 national and international dealers.
Launch of the second generation of sharpeners called HORL®2 with models HORL®2 Cruise, HORL®2 and HORL®2 PRO.
Move to larger offices within Freiburg.
The team expands to around 20 employees.
Partial automation of production to improve quality and increase production capacity.
Initiation of the Black Forest Day
Expansion of the distribution network to include Italy, Iberia and the UK.
More than 1000 active retailers in Europe
Foundation of HORL International GmbH and market entry in the USA.
Opening of a 2nd office location in Freiburg.
Team with more than 40 employees.
Development of a new company structure.
Launch of the HORL® Limited Edition Black, HORL® Box, HORL® Lupe, HORL® Dock and HORL® Kagami.
Want to write a new chapter of the HORL® story with us? Then join our team!
Breisacher Str. 86,
79110 Freiburg
Germany
Gueterhallenstrasse 3,
79106 Freiburg
Waldkircher Straße 12b,
79106 Freiburg
We want to make it possible for our customers to experience our product range in a way they feel most comfortable with. That's why, in addition to our online shop, offering individual advice at specialist shops and trade fairs is an indispensable element of our concept. In collaboration with our 1200 or more retail partners, we focus on transparency, equal rights and mutual respect. In order to guarantee the most intensive user experience possible with the HORL® brand, we personally support and train both our national and international retail partners.
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