Microbevels

A microbevel is a small secondary bevel formed at the very edge of a blade or cutting tool. It is typically created after the primary edge has been established and is produced by a brief sharpening pass at a slightly steeper angle than the main bevel. The purpose of a microbevel is to improve edge durability and ease of maintenance without needing to reestablish or reshape the entire edge.

In practice, the main bevel defines the primary edge geometry, while the microbevel creates a thin section of edge at a higher angle. This arrangement concentrates wear on the microbevel, helping to protect the more delicate main edge. Because the microbevel is short, it can be refreshed with a light honing or a quick touch-up, often extending the time between full resharpening.

Microbevels are common on knives, woodworking chisels and plane irons, and other cutting tools where a balance between sharpness and durability is desired. They are also used in some precision machining and surgical blades, where controlled edge performance is important. The exact size and angle of a microbevel vary with the tool, material, and intended use.

Advantages of microbevels include easier maintenance, reduced risk of edge chipping, and the ability to preserve the main edge over multiple sharpenings. Limitations may include slightly reduced initial cutting efficiency or increased drag if the microbevel is too large. Properly maintained, microbevels offer a practical way to extend edge life while maintaining performance.

See also: bevel, chamfer, sharpening technique, edge geometry.