Rutile type stainless steel electrode with high recovery (160%) for welding 18Cr/8Ni austenitic stainless steels to mild steels and low alloyed steels and also for surfacing applications on such steels. Weld metal deposit is austenitic-ferritic stainless steels. Possible to use equally well both with AC and DC. High current carrying capacity, since core wire is not made of stainless steel.