The fatigue strength and fracture topography in the friction welded interface of high speed steel (HSS-Co) to SM55C carbon steel have been investigated through the fatigue test, SEM fractograph and EDS (energy dispersive spectrometer) analysis. Three kinds of specimens used in this research are the friction welded joints, HSS-Co and SM55C carbon steel with circumferential notch, saw notch and smooth, respectively. The notch sensitivity factor, .eta. of the friction welded joints is lower than that of the base materials, and that represents a superiority of the joint performance of FRW. Fracture topography of the FRW specimens with a notch showed a cleavage or brittle appearance, while that of the FRW smooth specimen appeared to be ductile. Furthermore, although fatigue crack likely initiated near the weld interface of the FRW smooth specimen, crack propagation continued into the HAZ of SM55C steel. Finally, fatigue fractures of the base materials were associated primarily with the inclusions located at the outer periphery of the specimen.