a method of making stabilized ultra - low carbon steel having a high nitrogen content for enameling applications . the preferred method involves two phases . the first phase occurs in the basic oxygen furnace wherein nitrogen gas is combined with oxygen gas and blown into the melt through the oxygen lance . after the oxygen blow the carbon content of the melt is approximately 0 . 03 % and the nitrogen content is at least about 0 . 016 to 0 . 020 %. in the second phase the melt is introduced to a vacuum circulation decarburizer where the carbon content of the steel is reduced to ultra low levels on the order of 0 . 005 %. the nitrogen content is maintained at a level of at least about 0 . 01 % by introducing nitrogen gas into the vacuum decarburization vessel as the lift gas through inert gas tuyeres .