Chamfer

A chamfer is a small, flat angled cut that eases a sharp 90-degree corner into two shallower angles, typically 45 degrees. Unlike a full bevel, a chamfer only softens the corner -- the piece's overall dimensions and shape don't change. Chamfers show up constantly for practical reasons as much as looks: a chamfered edge resists chipping and splintering far better than a sharp one, and simply feels better in the hand. A router with a chamfer bit, a block plane, or sandpaper can all cut one.