Alloy additions can be made in a variety of alloy steels to enhance properties such as increased response to hardening treatment, higher yield strengths and resistance to softening at high temperatures similar to what 5 to 10 percent cobalt exhibits in these alloy grades. This is accomplished by increasing the normal residual elements found in air melt and powder making processes which total 1 to 2 percent to levels totaling 4.0-5.0 per cent. The element additions are higher levels of nickel, manganese, silicon, aluminum and copper. During the tempering treatment following austenitizing and quenching, intermetallic compounds are formed as M3Si and M3Al where M is a combination of Ni, Fe, and Mn. The volume of these nano-structural compounds significantly enhances response to hardening treatment and resistance to softening at high temperatures. Graphs are given showing the positive effects on these properties. Competitive cutting tool performances are also given in the case of high speed steel. All aspects of this new phenomenon are covered in newly issued Patent No. 6,723,182.