Martensitic stainless steels were the first stainless steels that were commercially developed (as cutlery) and have a relatively high carbon content (0.1 - 1.2%) compared to other stainless steels. They are plain chromium steels containing between 12 and 18% chromium. They are magnetic and hardenable by quenching and tempering like plain carbon steels and find their main application in cutlery, aerospace and general engineering.

A relatively new group of martensitic stainless steels are the supermartensitic stainless steels. The supermartensitic grades combine high strength and low-temperature toughness with acceptable corrosion resistance in many applications.