Embodiments of hardfacing layers in which wear resistant particles are substantially uniformly distributed in a matrix material are provided. The composition and microstructure of the matrix material and the amount, size and distribution of the wear resistant particles can be such that the hardfacing is wear resistant but still retains some toughness. The matrix material may include two components, a first component including iron, chromium and nickel and a second component including chromium and a substantial amount of carbon. The combination of the two components provides hardness and toughness to the matrix material. In embodiments of the disclosure, the wear resistant particles include tungsten. A hardfaced article, in one embodiment, may be formed by fusion welding an austenitic stainless steel filler metal to the surface of a base metal, thereby generating a weld pool; and adding a plurality of particles including tungsten carbide to the weld pool.