A multi-phase cemented ceramic article, method of making same, and the material thereof is disclosed which is useful for machining and forming of metals, including ferrous metals, titanium, aluminum and other metals. The article and its material preferably includes novel microstructures including platelets, a range of grain sizes which yields superior hardness and other characteristics, and a lower tungsten concentration within the binder phase than has been seen in the prior art. The preferred composition includes ultrafine WC, an ultrafine solid solution of (Ti, Ta, W)C, and a cobalt binder. Platelets are formed in-situ, eliminating the need to add them during manufacture for improving toughness.