In one general embodiment, an apparatus includes a substrate, a thin film layer on the substrate having transducers therein, and a portion of a slot extending along the substrate, the portion of the slot defining a skiving edge. A length of a tape bearing surface between the thin film layer and the skiving edge is in a range of about 7 to about 30 microns. In another general embodiment, an apparatus includes a substrate, a thin film layer on the substrate having transducers therein, and a slot extending along the substrate, the slot defining a skiving edge. A length of a tape bearing surface between the thin film layer and the skiving edge is in a range of about 7 to about 30 microns.