Surface texturing of AISI 52100 steel was carried out by photochemical machining. The geometrical parameters of the textured patterns were inspired by the characteristics of the skin of Vipera Ammodytes snake. The influence of the etching time and the size of the features on the quality of the textured surfaces was studied, as well as the effect of chemical modification on the surfaces etched by photochemical machining. The textured surfaces were tested in a pin-on-disc tribometer to evaluate the frictional response of the deterministic surfaces in comparison to stochastic surfaces. The results showed a marked influence of the etching time on the size and shape of the texture features, as well as a correlation between the coefficient of friction and the apparent contact area of the texture patterns. Also, a reduction of coefficient of friction was observed due to the deposition of WS2 and Graphite coatings onto the textured surfaces.