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This article presents the microstructure, hardness, fracture toughness coefficient <i>K_IC</i> and phase composition of submicron WC-4Co carbides. The carbides were sintered using the innovative U-FAST (Upgraded Field Assisted Sintering Technology) method, from mixtures of WC-Co powders with an average WC grain size of 0.4 µm and 0.8 µm. The obtained sinters were characterized by a relative density above 99% of the theoretical density. The hardness of the obtained composites was above 2000 HV30, while the <i>K_IC</i> coefficient was about 8 MPa m^1/2.