Disc cutter

A cutting tool comprising:

• an annular disk-shaped base adapted to be driven about an axis of rotation, said base having a peripheral edge with a plurality of tool receiving recesses formed therein, each recess being defined by at least two surface portions extending across an axial width of said peripheral edge, each recess tapering inwardly in a radially outward direction;
• a plurality of hardened cutting tool inserts fixed to said base at the recesses, each cutting tool insert having a cutting edge and a shank part received in a respective one of the recesses, each of said shank parts having first and second flanges integrally formed therewith on only one axial side of said shank part extending in a forward and a rearward direction, respectively, with respect to a rotational direction of the cutting tool, each of said first and second flanges defining an engaging shoulder portion extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis and adjacent at least one side of each of said surface portions, each engaging shoulder portion engaging with one side surface of said base, each of said cutting tool inserts being fixed to said base at each of said engaging shoulder portions
• wherein said cutting edge of each of said cutting tool inserts has a relief angle extending in a direction away from said one side of said insert having said first and second flanges.