AbstractThe cutting performance of surface deformed and undeformed work materials was compared by single edge experiments with a modified Charpy pendulum. The differences were investigated with respect to chip formation mechanisms, specific cutting and thrust forces, and finish of the cut surfaces. Austenitic stainless steel and quenched and tempered steel work materials were investigated. The test method resembles intermittent metal cutting operations such as sawing and milling by generating short cuts with small and varying cutting depths. The most important conclusions are as follows: (1) Surface deformation of the work material surface improves machinability by reducing the cutting and thrust forces. (2) This is mainly the result of a reduced contact length between the chip and the rake face of the edge. (3) Work materials with thick and heavily deformed surface layers, such as austenitic stainless steel, yield high thrust forces at the beginning of the cut. (4) In work materials where the disintegration of the builtup edge degrades the finish of the cut surface, deformation hardening can yield an improvement.