In blender I just use hardops to create bevels to achieve the effect you're talking about. Subdivision is usually not a good idea with hardsurface props.
Polycount's Weekly Hardsurface Challenge is an invaluable source of modeling inspiration and shapes for practice. Do a dozen or two of them and you'll be a better modeler in no time.
Post processing and lighting, hence a detailed walkthrough via one of my favourite hardsurface artists. https://www.ebalstudios.com/blog/improving-3d-renders
My eyes!!!! the bloom!!!! No but seriously, I find the hardsurface part of the character to be the most well done on the model, rest than that dunno what to say...