Circular diamond blade sawing is one of the most extensively used methods of processing stone and other hard materials. The process uses composite segments, which are composed of diamond grits in a metal matrix binder, mounted to the periphery of a steel blade. The grits are responsible for performing the cutting action during the processing. This paper formulates a simple model to compute the force required to cut a hard brittle material. The model incorporates relevant machining and tool parameters, such as, peripheral speed, transverse speed, and blade diameter, depth of cut, grit size, segment density and concentration. Work piece material properties, such as, the modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio, are also included the model. Numerical computations are performed using the finite element method. The analysis is performed on a single grit and the generated results are used to compute the steady-state resultant force for entire segment and saw blade.