In this study, a finite strain formulation of elasto-plasticity without the yield surface is analyzed. It is found that the presented model allows for a good description of the elasto-plastic response for many metallic materials. Furthermore, it is noted that the model involving a limited number of material parameters is able to capture such effects as indefinite elastic limit, strain hardening, strain softening and the Bauschinger effect. An algorithm for the evaluation of constants is described and the determined values are given for NC high carbon tool steel, copper, brass, Inconel alloy, tungsten heavy alloy and aluminum.