Abstract: To apply hard cutting particles, for example of tungsten carbide, on the surface of the cutting edge of a cutting tool, such as a saw blade, a drill, or the like, the cutting edge is partially melted by an energy beam, for example a laser beam, or an electron beam. A laser beam is preferred since, then, the process can be carried out in air, or in a protective gas atmosphere, rather than in a vacuum. The beam partially melts the cutting edge and the granules of the hard metal particles, preferably in a random grain size of between 0.3 to 1.5 mm is permitted to run down, over the partially melted surface, excess being collected for reuse; alternatively, the partially melted surface can be dipped into the granules, and permitted to solidify.