Abstract: A method of producing uniform metal mirror surfaces which are harder than e starting material. A three step machining process produces uniform metal mirror surfaces without polishing defects or lack of spatial uniformity from previous polishing methods. The surface is first machined in the normal manner for diamond turning. The second machining process requires the rake angle to be made negative to the extent of approximately 30.degree.. This machining process creates plastic deformation in the surface material. The final step requires machining material in the top rake angle of from -5.degree. to +5.degree. which provides the uniform surface of regular diamond machining. An alternate method only needs a single cut at an intermediate rake angle.