A method of manufacturing a well tool can include loading a matrix material into a mold, then sintering the matrix material in the mold; and then loading another matrix material into the mold. A well tool can include a longitudinal axis, an erosion resistant layer exposed to one or more erosive factors when the well tool is installed in a well, and a support layer which supports the erosion resistant layer. The erosion resistant and support layers can include respective matrix materials, and the erosion resistant layer can extend greater than approximately 1.27 cm in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. Another method of manufacturing a well tool can include forming a rigid layer from a powdered matrix material; and then infiltrating both that matrix material and another matrix material with a hot liquid binder material.