Abstract: The invention relates to a disk-shaped cutting tool, to a radial cutting method for machining axially elongated workpieces, to a cutting device and to a use of a disk-shaped cutting tool. A disk-shaped cutting tool according to the invention has defined flexibility and a defined impact. In a radial cutting process according to the invention, lateral deflection of the axially stationary rotating tool brings the tool, by means of the at least one laterally applied grinding and polishing surface, into axial effective contact with the workpiece to be machined. In a cutting device according to the invention, the cutting tool can be moved only radially to machine the workpiece. A use according to the invention of a disk-shaped tool serves the purpose of specimen preparation and subsequent surface analysis on a workpiece cut to length.