In one aspect, cutting tools are provided comprising radiation ablation regions defining at least one of refractory surface microstructures and/or nanostructures. For example, a cutting tool described herein comprises at least one cutting edge formed by intersection of a flank face and a rake face, the flank face formed of a refractory material comprising radiation ablation regions defining at least one of surface microstructures and surface nanostructures, wherein surface pore structure of the refractory material is not occluded by the surface microstructures and surface nanostructures.