A method of manufacturing a scandate dispenser cathode having a matrix (1) at least the top layer of which consists substantially of a mixture of tungsten with scandium oxide or with a mixed oxide comprising scandium oxide. When sintering of the matrix is carried out at a temperature between 1300.degree. and 1700.degree. C., preferably at approximately 1500.degree. C. and in a hydrogen atmosphere, cathodes are obtained having a better recovery after ion bombardment compared with cathodes sintered at 1900.degree. C. Sintering in hydrogen results in a better reproducibility.