Abstract: An improved electrical discharge machining electrode permitting increased cutting speed of the metal workpiece being machined and which improves the operation of the electrical discharge machining equipment in other respects. The improvement is atrributable to an adherent carbon surface coating deposited on an electrically conductive metal wire length which serves to transfer energy efficiently to the workpiece from the spark discharge as well as enhance the flushing of materials removed by said discharge during the machining operation. The method and apparatus for employment of said improved electrode is also described.