The various methods of producing fine-grained alloys are discussed and it is concluded that thermomechanical processing routes are most suitable for the economic production of the large quantities of material required for structural applications. The limits of grain refinement by conventional discontinuous recrystallization are considered, and the production of micron-grained alloys by continuous recrystallization processes during or after large strain deformation is discussed. The stability of highly deformed microstructures against recrystallization is analysed, and the effect of second-phase particles on grain growth is discussed. It is shown that perturbations of the Zener drag during high temperature deformation may lead to dynamic grain growth in two-phase alloys.