In a method of cutting high-tensile workpieces, in particular sheet metals of martensite steel, the workpiece is subjected to a bending stress prior and during a shearing process. The bending stress causes a substantial component of a tensile force transverse to a desired cutting contour. Tensile stresses are superimposed to the shearing stresses, which favor the beginning of the workpiece separation. The bending stress is preferably selected so that the resulting tensile stress exists at a side facing the cutting tool.