Abstract: A cutting insert of hard wear resistant material such as sintered tungsten carbide having a raised negative rake cutting land forming an obtuse cutting edge angle with side walls extending normal to the cutting face. A gradual sloping surface from the inner margin of the raised cutting land provides strength compatible with downward chip flow to meet the internal substantially flat face of the insert. In a preferred embodiment a center island is provided extending to the top level of the raised cutting land which permits relatively lighter starting feeds and greater range of feed rates.