Comparative analysis is provided for specimen mechanical properties of steels 18KhGT and 20Kh with tensile testing in relation to surface treatment: grinding, polishing, nitriding, carburizing, and ion-plasma treatment. It is shown that surface condition has a considerable effect on specimen behavior during deformation. It is established that the most favorable effect applies to ion bombardment with low-energy ions recommended as an effective method for improving component structural strength.