Razor wire, also known as barbed tape is the modern equivalent of barbed wire. It is designed to prevent intrusion of perimeter barriers. Razor wire is manufactured using a central core of high tensile wire, around which a tape of razor sharp barbs is machine crimped.  The resulting razor wire is therefore exceedingly difficult to cut using hand tools; it is very strong and cannot be bent easily, whilst the barbs have a piercing and gripping action.