Coupled with the biomimetic principle, a hot work tool steel (4Cr5MoSiV1) was manufactured using a laser with different input energies. Results of tensile tests confirmed that the biomimetic coupled laser remelting (BCLR) process had an advance effect on improving the strength and ductility of 4Cr5MoSiV1 steel simultaneously. Microstructure examinations demonstrated that a fine microstructure along with nano scale carbide was acquired in the BCLR units, which produced an accumulative contribution of grain refinement, precipitation strengthening and a mixed microstructure. Based on the well distribution of the BCLR units, the beneficial effect of stress transfer from the matrix to the units on tensile property was also analyzed. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.