Abstract: A method for deep hardening steel workpieces which are subject to high surface pressures by first heating the workpiece and then quenching the thus heated workpiece to cool to a range just above the martensite stage, the temperature is held in this range by using a controlled cooling agent until the structure is essentially completely transformed to a fine particulate sorbite. Thereafter, the workpiece is cooled. As a result of this process, a uniform hardening pattern in the workpiece can be consistently obtained. An apparatus for carrying out the method of the invention is also disclosed.