This paper gives review of literature data about the research influence of vanadium carbide layer formed by thermal-reactive diffusion on the surface of the tool steel and die for casting and forging. In western scientific and professional literature (USA and Japan) exists a lot of information about the vanadized layers obtained on tool steel and dies, while in our scientific and professional circles, and beside of the superior qualities whose layer provides in the process of exploitation, the process remained almost unknown. As the procedure of vanadizing still largely unknown our broader scientific and professional public, therefore, in the paper are systematized knowledge and described the basic principles, advantages and disadvantages of the procedure of vanadizing, with emphasis on specific examples of its application on current level of knowledge. Considering that the extremely hard layer formed by procedure of vanadizing possesses excellent properties, of which should be singled out: very high resistance to the abrasion and adhesion mechanism, good tribo-chemical properties and very low coefficient of friction, the authors believe that the data in this paper serve as a useful reference for the expansion of application this procedure in our manufacturing facilities, as the usual treatment process.