Thread: bevel

what exactly is the bevel?

The bevel is the angle of the absolute business edge of your blade, where it comes to a point and is (hopefully!) razor sharp. Too big a bevel angle and your blade might not come to a fine enough or sharp enough point to shave. Too small a bevel angle and the steel will be so thin that it will just crumble when you pull it along your skin. You have to match this angle each time you hone so you are actually sharpening that very fine pin-point line that is your razor edge.