At Pauleen, we have manufactured razor wire from our own integrated factory for more than a decade. We have supplied concertina coils, flat‑wrap barriers, and customised obstacles to clients on five continents. In this guide, we explain the real‑world differences between the most common models and give you a practical framework for making the right choice.
What do the letters and numbers actually mean?
Every razor wire model code tells you something about its construction.
BTO stands for Barbed Tape Obstacle. These are single‑strip designs, where one continuous blade tape is wound helically around a central core wire. BTO models are compact, stable, and usually installed on fence tops or wall tops to stop climbing.
CBT stands for Concertina Barbed Tape. These use two strips of blade tape cross‑wound around the core, creating a three‑dimensional, sprawling coil. CBT products are longer in blade length and are typically laid on the ground as a concertina obstacle to stop foot traffic.
The number following the letters indicates the nominal blade length in millimetres. For example, BTO‑22 has blades about 22 mm long, while CBT‑65 has blades of about 65 mm. This single number tells you more about the barrier's aggressiveness than almost any other parameter.
BTO‑22 – the global workhorse
BTO‑22 is by far the most widely used razor wire model worldwide. Its popularity comes from a near‑perfect balance of deterrence, coil stability, and cost.
Key characteristics of BTO‑22:
Blade thickness: 0.5 mm (high‑strength galvanised steel)
Core wire: 2.5 mm high‑tensile wire
Blade length: 22 mm, blade width: 15 mm
Barb (punch) spacing: 34 mm
Coil diameters available from 450 mm up to 980 mm
Standard coil length: 7 to 16 metres per coil, depending on the expansion diameter
This model is extremely effective for fence‑top outriggers on chain‑link or welded mesh fences, and for wall‑top applications using Y‑brackets or flange‑mounted arms. It delivers strong climbing deterrence while remaining manageable for installation with standard gloves and tools. We typically supply it in cross‑type coils with 3 or 5 clips per loop, which, when expanded, create a dense multi‑layered barrier.
Best use cases for BTO‑22:
Industrial warehouses and storage yards
Commercial facilities and logistics centres
Medium‑security perimeters where budget efficiency is important
Temporary construction sites (with a lighter galvanised coating)
Because it is so widely produced, BTO‑22 is also the most readily available and cost‑effective option for long‑perimeter projects.
CBT‑65 – maximum deterrence for high‑risk zones
When the threat level is severe – military bases, national borders, maximum‑security prisons, or critical infrastructure – CBT‑65 is the model most often specified. Its blade length of 65 mm is nearly three times that of BTO‑22, and its double‑strip cross‑winding creates a barrier that is exceptionally difficult to breach.
Key characteristics of CBT‑65:
Blade thickness: 0.6 mm (heavier gauge for added rigidity)
Core wire: 2.5 mm high‑tensile steel
Blade length: 65 mm, blade width: 21 mm
Barb spacing: 100 mm – much wider than BTO, which makes the barrier less predictable to grasp
Coil diameters: 300 mm to 960 mm, with standard loops of 33 or 56 per coil
Coil length per unit: 4 to 15 metres, depending on diameter
The cross‑wound construction eliminates linear gaps and creates a chaotic, multi‑directional geometry. This makes it extremely hard to find a handhold, to use bolt cutters effectively, or to throw blankets or mats over the barrier without leaving exposed sections.
Best use cases for CBT‑65:
Military installations and forward operating bases
Border fencing and international boundary lines
High‑security prisons and detention centres
Nuclear power plants, substations, and other critical infrastructure
Any site where a determined, tool‑equipped intrusion attempt is a realistic threat
CBT‑65 is usually deployed as single‑coil concertina on the ground, staked at regular intervals. It can also be used in flat‑wrap configurations on top of high walls. Its visual intimidation factor is a powerful psychological deterrent in its own right.
Other notable models in the family
While BTO‑22 and CBT‑65 dominate the specification sheets, several other models serve specific niches.
BTO‑10 and BTO‑12 – short blades (10–12 mm) for residential communities, gated estates, or light commercial perimeters where a lower profile is desired, and liability concerns are higher.
BTO‑15 – a middle ground for light‑to‑medium security, often used around schools or public facilities with moderate risk.
BTO‑30 – a longer‑blade BTO (30 mm) that offers increased aggressiveness while retaining the single‑strip format; suitable for medium‑high security where CBT is considered overkill.
BTO‑60 – a long‑blade BTO approaching CBT‑style deterrence, but still single‑strip; sometimes chosen for cost reasons over CBT‑60.
CBT‑60 – similar to CBT‑65 but with 60 mm blades; it is used in high‑security projects that require slightly tighter coil packaging or where 65 mm blades are not necessary.
The general rule is: the longer the blade, the higher the deterrence, but also the higher the material cost and the larger the coil footprint.
Material finish – galvanised or stainless steel?
Beyond the model, the choice of material determines how long your barrier will last in its environment.
Hot‑dip galvanised (HDG) is the standard for most projects. At Pauleen, we offer zinc coating weights from 80 g/m² up to 275 g/m². Heavier coatings are recommended for coastal areas, tropical climates, or industrial zones with corrosive atmospheres. Under normal inland conditions, HDG razor wire provides a service life of 10 to 15 years before significant rust appears.
Stainless steel (AISI 304 or 316) is the premium choice. It is virtually immune to corrosion, maintains its sharpness for decades, and retains tensile strength even in extreme humidity or salt‑spray environments. Stainless steel is mandatory for offshore platforms, petrochemical plants, and border installations near saltwater. Its service life ranges from 10 to 40 years, but it costs significantly more than galvanised alternatives.
Important engineering note: Never mix materials – for instance, galvanised blades with a stainless core wire. The potential difference between the two metals can cause galvanic corrosion, accelerating failure at the contact points. Always use a uniform material system.
How to choose – a practical decision framework
Instead of relying on a generic table, consider these four questions in sequence:
What is the threat profile?
If the main risk is casual climbing by unauthorised persons (e.g., warehouse theft), BTO‑22 is almost always sufficient.
If the risk includes organised intrusion with tools or multiple attackers, CBT‑65 or CBT‑60 is the safer bet.
Where will it be installed?
On top of an existing fence or wall → BTO series, because the coil sits on brackets and does not need to support its own weight on the ground.
On the ground as a concertina barrier → CBT series, because the longer blades and cross‑winding create an unstable surface for walking.
What is the environmental exposure?
Dry inland climate → HDG with standard coating (80–120 g/m²) is fine.
Coastal, high‑humidity, or chemically aggressive zones → HDG 275 g/m² or stainless steel (304/316).
What is the project length and budget?
For long perimeters (kilometres), BTO‑22 gives the best security per dollar.
For short, high‑value perimeters, CBT‑65 justifies its higher cost with superior protection.
Installation tips for optimal performance
The best model will underperform if installed incorrectly.
For BTO‑22 on fence tops, always run a top rail through the fence selvage and attach the coils with bolt‑on brackets or U‑bolts. Secure every 20–30 cm using stainless steel hog rings or heavy‑gauge tie wire to prevent sagging.
For CBT‑65 on the ground, lay the coils end‑to‑end and stake them down firmly at 1‑metre intervals. Do not over‑expand the coil – a compressed coil has more density and is harder to push through.
For wall‑top installations, use flange‑mounted barb arms with a minimum projection of 30 cm to ensure the razor wire overhangs the wall face, preventing intruders from using the wall itself as a climbing aid.
We also recommend that all installations comply with relevant standards such as ASTM A764 (wire‑reinforced barbed tape), ASTM A123 (galvanised coatings), and ASTM F1043 (security fencing systems).
Why Pauleen is your trusted partner
With more than ten years of dedicated razor wire production, Pauleen combines in‑house metallurgical control, automated stamping lines, and rigorous quality testing under one roof. Our integrated factory model allows us to deliver:
Full material traceability from steel coil to finished razor wire coil
Customised specifications – blade length, coil diameter, loop count, coating weight, and even special packaging for containerised shipping
Compliance with international standards – ISO, ASTM, and EN
Reliable lead times, even for large‑volume border or infrastructure projects
We do not just sell razor wire – we help you engineer the correct security solution for your specific environment.
Still unsure which model fits your project?
Our technical sales team is available to review your site drawings, threat assessment, and local climate data. We can provide samples, test reports, and even on‑site installation guidance.
Contact Pauleen today – let us help you secure your perimeter with the right razor wire, the first time.