The friction characteristics and material transfer tendency between metal powder and tool material in metal powder compaction have been evaluated using a new tribo test method. The method is based on controlled scratch testing using a commercial scratch tester but instead of the commonly used Rockwell C diamond stylus a sample holder with a small green body of compacted powder particles is drawn over the surface in a well controlled multi pass linear reciprocating sliding contact. In the present study a number of combinations of metal powder and tool materials have been evaluated with respect to the friction characteristics and the sticking and cladding tendency at the sliding interface. Post test scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in combination with 3D white light interferometry were used to analyse the tool material surfaces and material pick-up tendency. The tribological performance of potential powder compacting tool materials is discussed in relation to the identified friction and wear mechanisms.