In this paper, we use the scientometric approach based on the Web of Science Core Collection to analyze the data on publication activity in the area of nanostructured materials processed by severe plastic deformation (SPD) techniques on the following three main topics: ultrafine-grained materials, severe plastic deformation and bulk nanostructured materials. The results marked early 1990s as the starting period for first publications in question as well as their fast development. Pioneer works by Prof. Valiev and his laboratory at that time and their role in the growth of nanoSPD-related research were outlined.