Superabrasive cutting element with enhanced durability and increased wear life and apparatus so equipped

An apparatus for use in drilling subterranean formations, comprising:

• a body presenting an exterior surface having at least one cutting element secured thereto;
• said at least one cutting element having a longitudinal axis and comprising a volume of superabrasive material including:
• a cutting face extending in two dimensions and generally transverse to said longitudinal axis;
• a cutting edge at a periphery of said cutting face;
• a rear boundary substantially peripherally coextensive with said cutting edge and longitudinally trailing said cutting edge at least at said periphery of said cutting face;
• said cutting face including a first surface oriented at a first angle with respect to said longitudinal axis, and a second surface oriented at a second angle, greater than said first angle, with respect to said longitudinal axis, said second surface being located between at least a portion of said first surface and at least a portion of said cutting edge.