A surface coated member comprises a substrate composed of a hard material, and a hard coating layer containing at least a TiCN layer on a surface of the substrate. A ratio r in a region of an outer surface side is larger than a ratio r in a region of an inner surface side, wherein r is a ratio of a peak strength I.sub.(422) of a (422)-crystal plane to a peak strength I.sub.(111) of a (111)-crystal plane, namely (I.sub.(422)/I.sub.(111)), in an X-ray diffraction analysis of the TiCN layer. The surface coated member has excellent adhesion between the substrate and the hard coating layer, and it also has excellent fracture resistance and wear resistance. Further provided is a cutting tool that includes a rake face and a flank formed on the substrate in the above surface coated member, and a cutting edge formed on a cross ridge portion between the rake face and the flank. Still further provided is a method for manufacturing a work piece to perform cutting process by applying the cutting edge of this cutting tool, to a work material.