The invention relates to a tool having at least one layer of TixAl1-xN, where 0.2≦x≦0.8, which is composed of a plurality of laminar plies to give an overall layer thickness of 0.01 μm to 3 μm and which has crystallites having a size of ≦10 nm. To produce such a layer, by magnetron sputtering in an N2 atmosphere, Ti and Al are respectively released from separately arranged cathode targets, wherein the tool is moved past the cathode repeatedly at a speed which is such that in each case only a nanocrystalline layer forms upon this movement.