The disclosed technology includes a cutting tool comprising segments arranged around a periphery of a cutting tool. Each segment, of the plurality of segments comprising a first portion comprising a first material having a first hardness, a second portion comprising a second material having a second hardness, the second hardness being less than the first hardness, and a transition region. The transition region can include at least part of the first material and at least part of the second material. The transition region can have an overall third hardness that is less than the first hardness and greater than the second hardness. A first segment and a second segment of the plurality of segments can be attached to the periphery of the cutting tool such that at least the first portion of the first segment is aligned in a cutting direction with the second portion of the second segment.