Abstract: A process for the manufacture of martensitic stainless steel rods or machine wire, and the products thus obtained, by hot rolling, which steel comprises by % weight:C=0.015 to 0.090N=0.015 to 0.080 with C+N=0.05 to 0.120Cr=9.0 to 14.0Nb=.ltoreq.0.1V=.ltoreq.0.1S=.ltoreq.0.35Si=.ltoreq.1.0Mn=.ltoreq.1.0Ni=.ltoreq.2.0Mo=.ltoreq.1.0P=.ltoreq.0.040Cu=.ltoreq.1.0Fe and impurities=balanceand having the following mechanical properties: R=900 to 1100 MPa; E 0.2=650 to 850 MPa; A.gtoreq.10%; and resilience KCU.gtoreq.40 J/cm.sup.2, and wherein the preheating or the end of the hot rough preliminary processing preceding the final hot rolling brings the products to a temperature between 1000.degree. C. and 1160.degree., and wherein the final hot rolling which is effected at a temperature below or equal to 1150.degree. C. produces a section reduction "S/s" which is at least equal to 3, and which reduction is followed by homogenous cooling and when S.ltoreq.0.