The effect of ruthenium addition (up to 0.4%) on the basic properties of WC-10%Co and WC-33%β-12%Co alloys was studied. The properties of these alloys such as transverse-rupture strength and loaddeflection curves, hardness, and cutting performance (at temperatures below 1273K), were almost not affected by the ruthenium addition, though it was observed that the carbide grain size of WC-Co alloy was somewhat reduced.