As a category of crucial wear-resistant alloys, high-chromium cast irons (HCCIs) are widely used in mining, minerals and cementation industries. The large volume fraction of coarse primary M(7)C(3)carbides (PC) imparts excellent wear resistance. However, coarse carbides also induce brittleness, resulting in high cracking susceptibility, and early failure of components, particularly under impact. To minimize the brittleness and increase the service life of HCCI parts, different techniques have been developed through modifying the carbide morphology and refining its size. This paper comprehensively reviews the currently available methods that have either been used in industry production or in laboratory development to modify the primary M(7)C(3)carbides in various HCCIs. The possible mechanisms that govern the refinement of primary carbides are also discussed in-depth. Based on previously published work, the mechanical performance of HCCIs is correlated with the microstructure of the matrix, and with the size, shape, volume fraction and distribution of primary carbides. This may provide solid fundamental to develop more effective techniques and/or new alloys to further improve the properties of this type of materials, increasing their engineering service life and to tailor their wider applications. In addition, the present work also seeks theoretical feasibility to apply the recently well-established theories/models of grain refinement for cast metals to refinement of the primary carbides in HCCIs.