The influence of nickel addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of titanium carbide frames with different chemical compositions and the cermets based on them, has been considered. It was shown that the increase of the nickel content in the initial charge leads to the refining of the frame microstructure and to a decrease of the porosity of titanium carbide frames which still remain open. Metallic or intermetallic layers appear in the intergranular areas. These factors have a significant influence on the mechanical properties of the cermets.