The present invention relates to a cutting tool insert for metal machining comprising tungsten carbide in a binder phase of tungsten or a tungsten alloy. The insert contains, in addition, W2C in an amount such that in the x-ray diffraction pattern the peak ratio W2C(101)/W(110) is <0.3. This particular microstructure is obtained by an additional heat treatment at about 1200° C. after the sintering.