Razor Wire: Stainless Steel vs. Galvanized Comparison

Razor wire, which is also known by the names Razor Ribbon, Helical, Security Barbed Tape and Concertina Wire, is a mesh of metal strips with sharp edges whose purpose is to prevent passage by humans. The term "razor wire", through long usage, has generally been used to describe barbed tape products. While razor wire is much sharper than the standard barbed wire, it's not actually razor sharp.

Razor wire can be made out of either stainless steel or galvanized steel.  This article will explore the benefits and drawbacks of the two.

The fundamental difference between stainless steel and galvanized razor wire is that the galvanized wire is protected from rust and weathering by a coating which can be scraped or scratched off, leaving the wire exposed to the elements, while in stainless steel, the actual material that the razor wire is made out of is resistant to rust and weather because of its carbon content has been reduced through the blending of metal alloys at high heats.

The stainless steel is universally accepted as the preferred option. This is because of its superior performance in strength, longevity and appearance.  Because of its highly corrosive resistant properties, the razor edges of the stainless steel razor wire stay and sharp. While the leading edge of the galvanized type tends to lose its vividness due to the thin zinc coating that peels off leaving the ‘razor barbs’ blunt and less effective both physically and psychologically.  Stainless steel will far outlast the effectiveness galvanized wire by many many years (decades).

[caption id="attachment_454" align="alignright" width="300"] Stainless Steel Razor Wire - photo: www.alibaba.com[/caption]

Stainless steel is more costly to manufacture and is therefore more expensive to the end user. However with this information and knowledge consumers can properly compare and assure knowing what they are getting at a minimum and certainly be able to avoid purchasing the galvanized type when the two types are close to the same price.
This relative comparison becomes even more apparent when product use is very long term, especially near or under water.

As always when there is labor involved, in the long run higher quality material is usually more economical due to the long-term reduction in installation and maintenance costs.