Razor wire and barbed wire are two common types of security fence wire that are designed with sharp edges or tips. They are very similar, but there are also many differences in material, installation, purpose of use, etc.

What is razor wire?

Blade barbed wire is made of high tensile strength strands and many razor-shaped edges, stamped from galvanized or stainless steel sheets. Due to its high strength, cutting and twisting the wire is extremely difficult with manual equipment. There are generally some common types, namely straight wire, flat-wound razor wire, single coil, accordion coil, and welded mesh.

What is barbed wire?

Barbed wire is equipped with sharp edges or points at regular intervals along its length. Depending on the strand structure, single or double strand barbed wire can be found in the market. From the perspective of twisting type, there are traditional twisted wires and reverse twisted wires for sale.

Razor barbed wire VS barbed wire

Razor wire and barbed wire serve the same purpose. Additionally, they can all be used individually as fences or in combination with other mesh products. But which one is better for your project? Let’s review their differences below.

1. Material and structure

Barbed wire includes low carbon steel wire, galvanized wire, PVC coated wire and stainless steel wire. High tension threads provide better stretch and flexibility to resist external pressure. The razor wire is a net composed of steel strips with sharp edges. High-tension galvanized steel wire or stainless steel wire is often used as the core wire. Its blades are stamped from galvanized steel plates or stainless steel plates. Not only that, the sharp barbs are punched with steel strips. Barbed wire mesh is made by twisting the wire mesh at certain distances along the strands.

2. Appearance

The most obvious difference between them is their design. Due to its shiny surface and single-strand construction, razor wire looks "modern" and attractive. In contrast, barbed wire is simply twisted together. In addition, the sharp blades make razor nets more frightening and psychologically deterrent.

3. Price

Which one is cheaper? Barbed wire, of course. Relatively speaking, razor wire is more expensive because it requires more raw materials and its production process is more complex. Barbed wire mesh is more economical due to its simple manufacturing process and no waste of raw materials. It is considered one of the more affordable types of wire fencing. But considering durability, razor wire is more corrosion-resistant and has a longer service life than barbed wire.

4. Degree of damage

There is no doubt that razor wire is more harmful than barbed wire. Since the coils are tightly connected, there isn't enough room for people to pass through. The sharp blade can easily tear and pierce the intruder's clothing and flesh. However, barbed wire can only leave scratches on clothes. This can be done with protection, such as thick carpet or using wire cutters.

5. Installation

Installing barbed wire is easier and faster than razor wire. It only requires fixtures such as fence posts, ties, and nails. Even unskilled workers can install it easily. Installing razor wire is more difficult. You need professional tools and workers. As mentioned, they can all be used alone or with other fencing products, or even on top of a brick or concrete wall. Moreover, barbed wire and razor wire can be used together.

6. Application

Razor wire has multiple sharp blades and is more suitable for high security applications such as

national boundaries;

military obstacles;

government building;

Industrial and mining facilities (such as factories and storage areas);

Airport;

prison;

internment camps;

Commercial and residential security applications and more

However, barbed wire is primarily focused on isolation and prevention and is ideal for residential, agricultural, and commercial uses such as:

cattle and livestock fencing;

Sports field fencing;

Road and railway fences;

prairie borders;

forest or garden fence,

school or hospital,

Residential areas etc.

7. Maintenance

Both require less maintenance if installed correctly. This is because galvanized steel products have excellent corrosion resistance and weather resistance. So no need to worry about maintenance.