Abstract: A sintered hardmetal (cemented tungsten carbide) product has a core made of a first grade of cobalt or nickel bonded cemented tungsten carbide with a surface layer of a second grade of distinctively different cobalt or nickel bonded cemented tungsten carbide. The first grade, or core, is generally a relatively tough (impact resistant or shock resistant) grade of cobalt or nickel bonded hardmetal while the surface layer is a relatively hard (wear resistant) grade of cobalt or nickel bonded hardmetal. The surface layer may, however, be designed to provide corrosion resistance or crater resistance to the article. If desired, multiple layers can be provided with gradient layers included between the core and surface layer. Typical uses of such layered composite carbide articles are as tool materials such as cutting tools or cutting tool inserts, mining tools or wear parts of any design typically manufactured in the cemented carbide industry.