a method for improving surface mechanical properties of non - austenitic stainless steels comprises steps of : providing a non - austenitic stainless steel material ; placing the non - austenitic stainless steel material in an environment containing at least one austenite - stabilizing element , and implanting the austenite - stabilizing elements into a surface of the non - austenitic stainless steel material to form a modified layer enriched with the austenite - stabilizing elements ; and placing the non - austenitic stainless steel material in a carbon - bearing atmosphere to make the modified layer in contact with the carbon - bearing atmosphere , and maintaining the non - austenitic stainless steel material at a carburizing temperature below 600 ° c . to implant carbon into the modified layer to form a carburized layer . the carburized layer enhances the surface hardness of the non - austenitic stainless steel material and enables it to apply to decorative components or structural components demanding high abrasion resistance , high surface hardness , and high corrosion resistance .