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Abstract This paper explores the successful deployment of a novel 14.5-mm cutter configuration with an advanced cutter shape to enhance drilling performance in the Bakken lateral environment. Historically, fixed-cutter bits in this region have relied on cutter sizes of 8 mm, 13 mm, 16 mm, and 19 mm. The 14.5-mm cutter bridges the gap between conventional designs, aiming to improve the rate of penetration (ROP), durability, and efficiency, particularly in abrasive and challenging formations such as the Bakken shale. The objective is to demonstrate the transformative potential of this technology in lateral drilling applications, with broader implications for global adoption. The development process began with designing a unique cutter shape to enhance cuttings evacuation and reduce reactive forces on the bit, thereby improving drilling efficiency. A high-performance drilling application was selected for testing in a 6-in. lateral section, with existing offset wells drilled using conventional 13-mm and 16-mm cutter configurations as benchmarks. A new five-bladed drill bit incorporating the 14.5-mm cutters was developed with comparable blade counts and ancillary features to enable direct performance comparison. Field trials were conducted across multiple wells, and key metrics, including ROP, footage drilled, re-run capability, torsional response, and tool-face control, were monitored and benchmarked against offset data. The 14.5-mm cutter design demonstrated an average ROP improvement of 15–20%, with peak gains exceeding 25% compared to offset wells. Its innovative shape enhanced cuttings evacuation, resulting in smoother drilling, reduced vibration, and improved directional control. The bit achieved the fastest 2-mile lateral ever drilled for the operator, setting a new performance benchmark in the Bakken. Additionally, it displayed exceptional durability, completing lateral sections with minimal wear and strong re-run potential. The bit consistently achieved a larger depth of cut (DOC) and higher differential pressure throughout the interval under similar input parameters, further proving its efficiency. Multiple trials confirmed consistent above-average performance in all metrics, including ROP, durability, and footage drilled. The introduction of the 14.5-mm cutter, with its cutting-edge shape, represents a significant advancement in fixed-cutter bit design, particularly for lateral drilling applications. By optimizing cutter size and shape for the unique lithology and operational challenges of the Bakken, this technology provides improved drilling efficiency, reduced non-productive time (NPT), and enhanced cost-effectiveness. The results presented in this paper highlight the transformative potential of this novel cutter design and its applicability to similar drilling environments globally, paving the way for a new era of performance optimization in fixed cutter bit technology.