A partial explanation of the size-effect in the specific cutting energy in micro-cutting is provided in this paper. For a simple orthogonal cutting condition, with constant width of cut, the specific cutting energy is viewed as a ratio of the cutting force and the uncut chip thickness. Size-effect, i.e., an unbounded increase in the specific cutting energy with decrease in uncut chip thickness, will occur under two conditions: one, if a component of the cutting force remains constant with uncut chip thickness and two, if some component of the cutting force increases with the uncut chip thickness. Experiments have been performed at high rake angles in an attempt to isolate and detect the presence of the constant component of the cutting force. The trend confirming the presence of this component is reported and explained. Copyright © 2004 by ASME.