The inventin provides a method of making an abrasive product which comprises a layer of bonded ultra-hard abrasive particles bonded to a substrate. This abrasive product is typically a composite abrasive compact. The method includes the steps of:(a) providing a slurry of the components, in particulate form, necessary to make the layer of bonded ultra-hard abrasive particles in a liquid which contains a binder dissolved or dispersed therein;(b) providing the substrate which has side surfaces and an end surface to which the layer of bonded ultra-hard abrasive particles is to be bonded;(c) providing a container which is adapted to receive the substrate such that the side surfaces thereof form a close fit with the container;(d) placing a quantity of the slurry in the container;(e) inserting the substate into the container such that the slurry is pressed between the container and the surface of the substrate to which the layer of bonded ultra-hard abrasive particles is to be bonded;(f) removing substantially all the liquid and binder from the slurry; and(g) subjecting the contents of the container to suitable elevated temperature and pressure conditions in the reaction zone of a high temperature/high pressure apparatus.