An apparatus for applying a cutting edge on surgical needles having at least one abrading device and a needle holding mechanism. The abrading device includes an abrasive member such as a rotatable abrasive belt or grinding wheel. The needle holding mechanism is positionable for selectively engaging an end of at least one needle with the abrading device to provide a cutting edge on the needle. A grinding wheel may be provided for hollow grinding the surgical needles, the grinding wheel including a cylindrical member having a plurality of ridges. The cylindrical member preferably has a super-abrasive coating of diamond or boron nitride particles electroplated thereon.