The temperature level at the beginning of recrystallization of transition metal carbides depends on the degree of their homogeneity, their reaction with oxygen in the course of deformation and annealing, and the stability of the resultant oxide phases. Recrystallization of the carbides and oxycarbides commences only after the completion of their homogenization and of the stabilization of their chemical composition throughout their whole volume. When reaction with the environment is prevented or reduced to a minimum, the temperature level of the beginning of recrystallization of transition metal carbides is commensurable with that of metals.