Rutile type stainless steel electrode for joining dissimilar steels and depositing claddings on ferritic steels. The ferritic-austenitic Cr-Ni weld metal contains approximately 50% of delta-ferrite and is non-scaling up to 1100°C. It features high resistance to cracking and is therefore suited for joining difficult to weld steels and depositing stress-relaxing buffer layers on crack sensitive base metals. Especially used in crack repair and build-up of tool and die steels, rebuilding of worn or cracked gear teeth, buffer layer on cutting blades. Suitable for welding galvanized steel plates. Possible to use equally well both AC and DC. Easy arc striking and re-striking. Fine metal droplet transfer, good fusion of joints faces, finely rippled bead surface, easy slag removal.