Various materials may be machined using the abrasive water jet (AWJ) cutting method. Many control factors, such as abrasive flow, operating pressure, and traverse speed, influence the efficiency and surface quality of AWJ-cut components. The common distinguishing factor of process efficiency and quality is the angle of machining footprints (striation angle). This paper presents research results on the control parameters as a method of influencing the striation angle through the angle level of machining footprints to achieve high efficiency and quality, for example, the high-impact and abrasive-resistant steel. This will enable quality control of the AWJ cutting process by continuously measuring the jet deflection angle in an online mode and adjusting these parameters in real-time to maintain high efficiency and the required surface quality. The particular interest in utilizing this basis is the possibility of setting cutting parameters for new materials not included in the implemented model of the AWJ cutting machine.