A metal implement such as an aeration tine formed from a hardened carbide tip affixed to a steel tine body is disclosed. The tine exterior surface is treated, such as by diffusion, with a hardening agent like aluminum-titanium-nitride and heating the tine to produce an implement that defines a hardness rating in excess of eight thousand (8,000) Vickers. The tip is attached to the body to form a tine. A method of manufacturing a tipped metal implement including the steps of providing a metal body and a hardened tip, treating substantially all of the body with a hardening agent, heating the body, and affixing the tip to an end of the metal body to form an implement that defines a hardness rating in excess of eight thousand (8,000) Vickers.
