Abstract: In a cutting process in which a blade under tension is moved relative to a workpiece, that improvement wherein the blade has a longitudinally-extending abrasive-holding portion defined by blade material that is softer than the workpiece to be cut and overlies a high tensile strength core, the blade is placed under tension adjacent a charging element, and abrasive particles are introduced into the interface between the blade and charging element and partially embedded in the abrasive-holding portion by moving the blade relative to the charging element while forcing the blade and element towards each other.