To obtain a tungsten carbide/carbon composite material having not only improved abrasion resistance but also improved mechanical strengths by mixing and sintering a tungsten powder with a carbon powder to convert the surface of the tungsten to tungsten carbide.

The particle diameter of a carbon powder is preferably within the range of 5-100 μm. The particle diameter of a tungsten powder is preferably within the range of 3-10 μm. The weight ratio of both powders is preferably regulated so that the weight proportion of the tungsten powder may be 30-95%. These powders are mixed, pulverized and formed into a compact having a prescribed shape, and the obtained compact is heated is a sintering furnace. As the result, tungsten reacts with carbon to provide tungsten carbide, and at least the surface of the tungsten powder is converted into the tungsten carbide. At the time, the tungsten powder can be converted into the state in which the whole of the tungsten powder is converted into the carbide, or the state in which a small amount of the tungsten remains at the center of the tungsten powder.