The presented paper is to experimentally evaluate the performance of the cBN tools in the machining of high chromium white cast iron. The performance in terms of the level of cutting forces, tool wear, surface roughness and process stability were evaluated during and after the cutting test. Two types of cBN tool material are evaluated in the tests, which include polycrystalline boron nitride (pcBN) and binder-less crystalline boron nitride (bcBN). The work materials used in the cutting tests have two groups of chemical composition with different levels of carbon silicon (C-Si) content in as-cast, annealed and hardened state respectively. Test results indicated that cutting tool materials, levels of C-Si contents and heat-treatment of the work materials have significant influence on the cutting performance. The study also reveals the mechanism of interaction between cBN tool and high chromium white cast iron under the range of machining parameters. Cutting tool materials exhibit clear differences in the wear rate and wear mechanisms during the machining test.