Carbon (C): Carbon, a nonmetallic element, forms a number of organic and inorganic compounds and can be ... Without nickel, stainless steel would be less resistant to heat and corrosion.

But you can "sand" out the scratches with sandpaper (400 to 600 grit) and a sanding block, an abrasive pad, or with a rubbing compound. Or buy a stainless steel repair kit and get everything you need.

Items made from stainless steel, however, appear all but immune to the consequences of rust. So what’s the secret? Rust is the result of iron reacting with oxygen in air or water to form iron oxide.