A cutting tool having a high oxidation resistance, a high wear resistance and a good defect resistance. The cutting tool comprises a base body and a coating layer, the coating layer comprising TiaAlbMd(C1-xNx), M being selected as at least one member selected from among Si, W, Nb, Mo, Ta, Hf, Cr, Zr and Y; and a, b, d and x satisfy the following requirements: 0.35≦a≦0.55, 0.3≦b≦0.6, 0≦d≦0.25, a+b+d=1 and 0≦x≦1. The Al content of a droplet on the coating layer of a cutting face is higher than the Al content of the composition of the coating layer, and the Ti content of a droplet on a flank face is higher than the Ti content of the composition of the coating layer.