Self-sharpening, laminated cutting tool and method for making the tool

A method of forming a cutting tool, the method comprising:

• forming recesses in a first layer of a first material;
• placing particles of a second material in said recesses;
• covering said recesses with a second layer of a third material to form a composite of said first, second, and third materials;
• and
• applying heat and pressure to said composite until said first and second materials are substantially welded together and said second layer is substantially vaporized.

A method of forming a cutting tool, the method comprising:

• forming recesses in a first layer of a first material;
• placing particles of a second material in said recesses, the second material being oxidizable;
• covering said particles with a second layer of a third material to form a composite of said first, second, and third materials, said second layer being a sacrificial layer that prevents the oxidation of said second material;
• and
• applying heat and pressure to said composite until said first and second materials are substantially welded together and said second layer is substantially vaporized.