The method of forming hard facing on an engine valve comprising providing an engine valve, providing an austenitic iron-based alloy, the austenitic iron-based alloy including, by weight, about 0.25% to about 0.9% carbon, about 1.5% to about 3.5% boron, about 1% to about 2% silicon, at least 20% chromium, an amount of manganese effective to provide the iron-based alloy with an austenitic structure, and the balance including iron and incidental impurities, and welding the austenitic iron-based alloy to at least a portion of the engine valve.