Hardface weld cladding in industry most commonly uses cobalt-based STELLITE nos. 6 and 12 and nickel-based Colmonoy nos. 56, 83, and 88 for plasma transferred arc (PTA) welding of 4140 steel. Frictional and abrasion wear of weld layers are compared with that of the widely used nitridized, low-level SKD61, SACM1 steel alloys and with centrifugal-cast nickel-based Colmonoy No. 68 bimetal. Experimental results show that cobalt alloys are not suitable for low-alloy steel frictional wear. However, nickel alloys are quite compatible. Resistance to abrasive wear increased in the experimental materials according to the level of hardness. Wear resistance was compromised in experimental materials when the hard phase was too dispersed.