A superhard filler hardmetal having a superhard material filler, binder metal or matrix and in some instances at least a first hard component is disclosed. The superhard filler hardmetal has a porosity rating of substantially A06, B00, C00 or better and may be essentially pore free, i.e., A00, B00, C00. The superhard filler hardmetal is formed by mechanically mixing a superhard material, in some instances at least a first hard component and a binder metal or matrix precursor, shaping the mixture into a green body and consolidating the green body at a preselected temperature, superatmospheric pressure and time at temperature and time at superatmospheric pressure sufficient to form the superhard filler hardmetal. The consolidation preferably occurs without the formation of a liquid in the body and at least a portion of the time at superatmospheric pressure is at the preselected temperature. Diamond filler and boron nitride filler are examples of superhard materials usable as filler. The diamond filler may be coated to prevent its degradation during consolidation and use. Boron nitride filler optionally may be coated.