A grinding tool is provided that includes an axial grinding wheel having a circumferential cutting slot formed therein, the cutting slot having a cross-sectional profile that includes a floor having a first radius of curvature, a first side wall rising upward from the floor and having a second radius of curvature, a second side wall rising upward from the floor opposite the first side wall and having a third radius of curvature. At least one radius of curvature corresponds to a surface, such as a leading edge of a gas turbine engine airfoil.