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This work performed at the Research Cutting Tools Centre “CEROC” has been carried out in the framework of a collaboration with the cutting tool manufacturer ValeniteSafety and the Mechanical & Rheology Laboratory EA 2640 of the University Francois Rabelais of Tours (Polytech’Tours). It’s devoted to investigate the behaviour of the cutting edge radius denoted ER on the surface integrity of worked piece after dry turning of 27MnCr5 steel. Cutting process involving material removal occurs by a large plastic deformation in a zone of concentrated shear due to the cutting edge. Cutting edge radius is the essential working part of the insert during machining process. An insert is a combination of a substrate, a coating, the geometry of a cutting zone and the edge finish geometry. These parameters related to the shearing property of the worked piece are critical for the quality of the surface integrity. Sharp edge is considered as an ideal edge in theory. However, in many cases, the cutting edges are “honed” on purpose during the manufacturing process of the insert. The aim of this research work is to establish correlations between relevant parameters and examine how the surface integrity of machined steel and tool life can be affected by the cutting tool edge preparation. Control of the micro edge radius geometry can considerably increase the tool life and assure the reproducibility of the machined surface quality. After a summary of the metal cutting principles, we describe how the presence of a honed edge affects the performance of machining operation in different ways. We present the procedures followed to determine the cutting conditions adapted to our cutting tool and material during dry turning. The experimental procedure of machined samples and edge radius preparation methods used in this study are illustrated. Scanning Electronic Microscope, White Light Interferometry and Micro Indentation, were the employed techniques to understand the impact of honed insert edges in the surface integrity of the worked piece and to investigate tool life performances. Parameters such as: cutting efforts, wear types generated during life time tests, topographic and metallurgic surface were evaluated and allow to quantify the effect of the variation of the cutting edge radius “manufacturing spread” on the life time of the insert and the surface finish of the worked piece.