Stainless steel has different types. Adding Nickel for instance causes the austenite structure of iron to stabilise. This crystal structure makes the steel near non-magnetic and causes it to be less brittle when the temperature is low. Carbon is added when more hardness and strength is needed. These steels are used for products such as blades, cutlery and tools when manufactured with the proper heat treatment.

Manganese in significant quantities have been used in many stainless steel compositions. The austenite structure in the steel, for example, is preserved by Manganese, similar to nickel, but at a lower cost.

Stainless steels are classified by their crystalline structure: Austenitic, Ferritic, Martensitic and Duplex.