The invention relates to a method for the production of a sintered, microcrystalline .alpha.-Al.sub.2O.sub.3-based shaped body, which are used, for example, as abrasive bodies, wherein an .alpha.-Al.sub.2O.sub.3 powder is used as starting material, said powder having an average particle diameter of <2 .mu.m, and processed with at least one binder and a solvent with the purpose of obtaining an extrudable material that is subsequently extruded. The extrudate is then further processed into a shaped body that is sintered at a temperature range of between 1300.degree. C. and 1750.degree. C.