Cutting edge preparation of cutting tools using plasma discharges in electrolyte

•A novel method for the edge preparation of cutting tools was presented.•The cutting edge radii were formed by immersing the cutting tool into an electrolyte.•Mechanism of material removal is based on melting and vaporization.•The values of cutting edge radii increased from 10 μm to 45 μm after 50 s.•This method is an environmentally friendlier alternative to electrochemical process.