When using subdivision surfaces, there are two ways to get sharp
edges.
While I'm showing off adding edges in 3dsmax in this video, this is
meant to be a general video for any 3d software. If you add the same
edges in any other app such as maya, Blender, etc, you will get the
same end results. So apply the theory to your 3d app of choice.
Oh, and during the video I show I have hotkeys to subdivide my mesh
up and down. This is using
my script modifySubdivIters for 3dsmax available here.