Abstract: A weld metal deposit which is not subject to solidification cracks and which is highly wear-resistant, also to the hot wear to which hot forming tools are subjected is disclosed. The weld metal deposit consists essentially of an air-hardening alloy steel containing 0.55% to 2.0% carbon, 0.2% to 4.0% silicon, 0.2% to 3.0% manganese, 4.0% to 6.5% chromium, 2.5% to 15.0% columbium, 0% to 3.5% strong carbide formers other than columbium, 0% to 0.5% nickel, and the remainder iron with or without incidental impurities. The contents of carbon and columbium have to be in a ratio of one to another as defined by the area indicated in FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings.