Hardmetals on the basis of WC are the best and unique materials for applications characterized by intensive wear and abrasion, high impact loads, thermal shocks, high bending and compressive loads, elevated temperatures and severe fatigue. Therefore, their discovery in the beginning of the 20's resulted in revolutionary changes in different branches of industry including metal-cutting, mining, construction, wiredrawing, etc. The history of the invention of WC-Co hardmetals in the beginning of the 20's of the last century is described. Brief information about the early production and, research and development of hardmetals is given. A range of modern conventional industrial hardmetals are briefly described. Uncommon advanced industrial hardmetal grades including functionally graded hardmetals, nanostructured hardmetals and hardmetals with alloyed binder phases are reported. Other types of uncommon hardmetals that are presently under development or fabricated on a limited scale are described.