Abstract: The invention provides a novel metallic composition and method of using the same. More particularly, the invention affords a tool steel and a method of heat treating the tool steel. In one of the preferred embodiments the tool steel includes about 0.50 to about 0.65 percent by weight carbon, about 0.095 to about 1.70 percent by weight manganese, up to about 0.030 percent by weight phosphorus, about 0.095 to about 0.200 percent by weight sulfur, about 1.10 to about 1.90 percent by weight chromium, about 0.10 to about 0.50 percent by weight nickel and about 0.20 to about 0.60 percent by weight copper. The tool steel of the present invention is preferably heat treated utilizing a heat treatment schedule that includes the steps of a preheat, austenization and a double temper.