The purpose of this study is to estimate the cutting force from indentation tests on granitic rocks and validate the results by means of theoretical models. In this sense, eight granite samples from different sites were collected for indentation tests by the conical pick. Firstly, petrographic and physico-mechanical characteristics of the granites were determined. Then, rock cutting experiments by means of indentation of the pick, which was calibrated along with Evans' theory, were conducted. The effects of some cutting parameters on cutting performance were examined. In addition, the relationships between rock properties and cutting parameters of conical pick were described by simple regression analyses. Besides, the tests did not enable us to have an idea about the wear on the conical picks due to the limited test period and insufficient contact area of the pick. The performance of theoretical models of cutting force was discussed for granite cutting based on statistical analysis. Accordingly, it was found that Goktan's theoretical model was generally found to be relatively stable and close to experimental results. Thus, it is concluded that the cutting forces of conical pick can be predicted by indentation tests.