FIELD: metallurgy, mechanical engineering, and instrument making. SUBSTANCE: method involves providing cyanidation until fusing of carbides in surface diffusion layer and obtaining carbide layer of thickness making 0.3-0.5 the thickness of surface diffusion layer; quenching and tempering. Cyanidation process uses mixture comprising the following ratio of components, wt%: fibrous granules 86-90; carbamide 4-5; boron carbide 5-8; sodium carbonate 0.6-1,0. In particular embodiments of invention, cyanidation process is carried out in vacuum; quenching process is initiated from cyanidation temperature by devacuumizing retort with following cooling in vacuum oil or liquid nitrogen. Tool working surface is machined to form pointed microrelief. Tool is hardened for machining of nonmetal surfaces. Method allows wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant carbide layer to be formed on working surfaces. EFFECT: intensified carbidizing treatment process, reduced labor intensity and provision for self-sharpening of tool. 5 cl, 3 dwg, 1 tbl, 3 ex
