What is Razor Wire?
News 2025-06-08
Razor wire, also named as concertina wire or razor tape, is manufactured from mild steel wires and consists of a continuous steel strip that is enclosed with sharp blades. All coils are clipped together to obtain a stable and homogeneous network. It is an alternative but has a higher security grade than traditional barbed wires.Razor wire is regarded as an effective deterrent for intruders, and it adds an anti-climb quality to almost all security fences and black walls.
What is Razor Wire?
Razor wire, also known as barb tape, razor tape, or concertina wire, is a high-security fencing material designed to deter and prevent unauthorized access. It is composed of a core of steel wire—often galvanized or stainless steel—with sharp-edged metal blades crimped around it. The combination of tensile strength and cutting capability makes it a highly effective anti-intrusion barrier.
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Structure and Composition
Razor wire consists of:
- Core Wire: Made from galvanized or stainless steel for strength and durability.
- Blades: Manufactured from steel strips with various shapes and lengths, designed to cause discomfort or injury to those attempting to climb over or through.
The wire is often formed into coils that can be deployed in straight lines or cross-patterns. These coils are clipped together to form a uniform and stable barrier, making them difficult to breach without specialized tools.
Benefits
- An effective deterrent to intruders and prevents them from climbing the fence or walls.
- Various materials and corrosion resistance coatings guarantee a long lifetime.
- Simple installation and no need for complex machines and tools.
- A large variety of configurations and materials is available on specific demand, providing different security levels for your projects.
Main Market
- Europe
- MENA (Middle Eastern & Northern Africa)
- United Kingdom
- Americas
- South & Central Africa
- APAC (Asia Pacific)
Materials & Coating
- Heavy Galvanized Steel Wire (zinc coating ≥ 245 g/m²)
- Galvanized Steel Wire (zinc coating ≥ 60 g/m²)
- Stainless Steel Wire
| Blades | Heavy Galvanized | Galvanized | Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Wire | Heavy Galvanized | √ | |
| Galvanized | √ | √ | |
| Stainless Steel |
Blade Types
- Razor wire can be divided into two main blade series: Concertina Barbed Tape (CBT) and Barbed Tape Obstacle (BTO).
- Five main and popular types are also recognized: fish hook blade, tear blade, long blade, medium blade, and short blade.
| Blade Type | Drawings | Barb Thickness (mm) | Barb Length (mm) | Barb Width (mm) | Barb Spacing (mm) | Core Wire Diameter (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBT 60 |
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0.5 ± 0.05 | 60.0 ± 2 | 31 ± 1 | 100 ± 2 | 2.5 ± 0.1 |
| CBT 65 |
 |
0.5 ± 0.05 | 65 ± 2 | 21 ± 1 | 100 ± 2 | 2.5 ± 0.1 |
| BTO 30 |
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0.5 ± 0.05 | 30 ± 1 | 18 ± 1 | 45 ± 2 | 2.5 ± 0.1 |
| BTO 22 |
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0.5 ± 0.05 | 22 ± 1 | 16 ± 1 | 35 ± 1 | 2.5 ± 0.1 |
| BTO 10 |
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0.5 ± 0.05 | 10 ± 1 | 13 ± 1 | 25 ± 1 | 2.5 ± 0.1 |
| BTO 12 |
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0.5 ± 0.05 | 12 ± 1 | 15 ± 1 | 26 ± 1 | 2.5 ± 0.1 |
| BTO 18 |
 |
0.5 ± 0.05 | 18 ± 1 | 15 ± 1 | 33 ± 1 | 2.5 ± 0.1 |
| BTO 28 |
 |
0.5 ± 0.05 | 28 ± 1 | 15 ± 1 | 45 ± 1 | 2.5 ± 0.1 |
Coil Loop Specifications Razor Wire
| Outer Diameter | Loops | Extended Length | Blade Type | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 mm | 33 | 4–6 m | CBT 60, CBT 65 | Single coil |
| 450 mm | 33 | 7–8 m | CBT 60, CBT 65 | Single coil |
| 500 mm | 56 | 12–13 m | CBT 60, CBT 65 | Single coil |
| 700 mm | 56 | 13–14 m | CBT 60, CBT 65 | Single coil |
| 960 mm | 56 | 14–15 m | CBT 60, CBT 65 | Single coil |
| 450 mm | 56 | 8–9 m (3 clips) | BTO 10, 12, 18, 22, 28, 30 | Cross type |
| 500 mm | 56 | 9–10 m (3 clips) | BTO 10, 12, 18, 22, 28, 30 | Cross type |
| 600 mm | 56 | 10–11 m (3 clips) | BTO 10, 12, 18, 22, 28, 30 | Cross type |
| 700 mm | 56 | 10–12 m (5 clips) | BTO 10, 12, 18, 22, 28, 30 | Cross type |
| 800 mm | 56 | 11–13 m (5 clips) | BTO 10, 12, 18, 22, 28, 30 | Cross type |
| 900 mm | 56 | 12–14 m (5 clips) | BTO 10, 12, 18, 22, 28, 30 | Cross type |
| 980 mm | 56 | 14–16 m (5 clips) | BTO 10, 12, 18, 22, 28, 30 | Cross type |
Applications Razor Wire
- Prison
- Ship
- Factories & industrial sites
- Military installation
- Refineries
- Government buildings
- Power stations
- Airports
- Temporary barriers
- Police stations
- Farmland
Prison safety guard: Several lines of razor wires are installed in the prison.
Military site defense: Several soldiers are training in military sites and razor wires are installed at the top of the fence.
Airport safety guard: The BTO 22 razor wires are installed at the top of airport fencing.
Residence safety guard: The CBT 65 razor wires are installed at the top of palisade fence in the residence.
Conclusion:
Razor wire is a high-security fencing solution engineered for maximum deterrence and protection. Made from galvanized or stainless steel, it features sharp-edged blades that make unauthorized access extremely difficult and dangerous. With various blade types, coil sizes, and installation styles (single or cross coil), it can be tailored to different security levels and environments. Its durability, ease of installation, and adaptability make it ideal for securing prisons, military sites, airports, industrial areas, and even private properties. Razor wire offers a superior alternative to traditional barbed wire, ensuring both physical defense and psychological deterrence.
