Abstract: Weldable austenitic chromium-nickel-copper stainless steel of low work-hardening rate and welded products fashioned thereof which are free of incipient cracking near and adjacent the weld upon cooling from welding temperatures. Such steel and products contain about 12 to 25% chromium, about 6 to 20% nickel, about 0.10 to 15% manganese, about 2.5 to 4% copper, about 0.01 to 0.07% carbon, with columbium-tantalum in the amount of at least 0.10% but no more than 0.5% and/or titanium in the amount of at least 0.1% but no more than .25%. The remainder of the composition is substantially all iron.