Wall of Razors MTG Card


Efficient mana use with Wall of Razors enables early defensive plays and flexibility in spell casting. Flash allows it to surprise opponents, disrupting their combat and bolstering battlefield control. Although its mana cost is specific, it stands out for its substantial power and first strike ability.
Wall of Razors - Stronghold
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Wall
Abilities Defender,First strike
Released1998-03-02
Set symbol
Set nameStronghold
Set codeSTH
Power 4
Toughness 1
Number100
Frame1997
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byMichael Sutfin

Text of card

(Walls cannot attack.) First strike

"In this blessed structure let the very walls baptize themselves in the blood of intruders." —Stronghold architect, journal


Cards like Wall of Razors

Wall of Razors is a stand-out defensive card in Magic: The Gathering, bringing exceptional toughness to the battlefield. Falling into the category of walls, it shows parallels to Wall of Spears, another wall with first strike capability. The distinction lies in the power of Wall of Razors, which can overwhelm other earlier game creatures. This makes it a formidable defender compared to Wall of Spears.

Exploring further, we encounter Wall of Tanglecord, a notable comparison mainly because of its reach ability, allowing it to block flying creatures, which Wall of Razors lacks. However, Wall of Tanglecord doesn’t pose the same offensive threat, given its absence of first strike or substantial power. Lastly, looking at Wall of Glare, it offers the unique ability to block any number of creatures each combat, highlighting a different defensive strategy, yet it still doesn’t provide the offensive pressure that Wall of Razors does with its power stat.

In assessing their roles within the game, Wall of Razors stands out despite its similarities with other defensive walls. Its balance of power and toughness with first strike makes it a considerable choice for players seeking a strong early game defensive option.

Wall of Spears - MTG Card versions
Wall of Tanglecord - MTG Card versions
Wall of Glare - MTG Card versions
Wall of Spears - MTG Card versions
Wall of Tanglecord - MTG Card versions
Wall of Glare - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Wall of Razors by color, type and mana cost

Rock Hydra - MTG Card versions
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Goblin Rock Sled - MTG Card versions
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Dwarven Soldier - MTG Card versions
Mogg War Marshal - MTG Card versions
Mudbrawler Cohort - MTG Card versions
Rock Hydra - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Weaponsmith - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rock Sled - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Lieutenant - MTG Card versions
Goblin Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Heart Sliver - MTG Card versions
Mogg Flunkies - MTG Card versions
Goblin Elite Infantry - MTG Card versions
Fireslinger - MTG Card versions
Skittish Kavu - MTG Card versions
Rage Weaver - MTG Card versions
Minotaur Explorer - MTG Card versions
Sparksmith - MTG Card versions
Goblin Lookout - MTG Card versions
Skirk Marauder - MTG Card versions
Hellspark Elemental - MTG Card versions
Storm Entity - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Soldier - MTG Card versions
Mogg War Marshal - MTG Card versions
Mudbrawler Cohort - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While the Wall of Razors itself doesn’t directly result in traditional card draw, its strength as a blocker can help protect your more valuable creatures or planeswalkers, effectively maintaining your card advantage on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: The Wall of Razors isn’t a source of mana or card ramp, however, its low casting cost contributes to efficient mana usage which allows you to deploy more threats or hold up mana for other spells early in the game.

Instant Speed: Though the Wall of Razors is a creature and not an instant, its flash ability allows it to be played at instant speed. This offers a surprise element, potentially disrupting your opponent’s attacking strategies and providing an unexpected blocker when they least expect it.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Wall of Razors doesn’t impose a discard requirement, making it a straightforward addition without further depleting your hand.

Specific Mana Cost: Wall of Razors demands a precise mana investment of one red and one generic mana, which could be restrictive in multicolored decks that do not prioritize red mana sources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While two mana for a 4/1 defender with first strike isn’t exorbitant, there are other defensive creatures available that could provide a greater toughness or additional abilities at a similar cost, potentially offering more resilience against a wider array of threats.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Wall of Razors is a valuable asset in decks that prioritize early defense. Its first strike ability can effectively deter aggressors, making it a robust addition against quick creature-based strategies.

Combo Potential: This card is more than just a defender. Utilizing equipment or aura spells that grant Wall of Razors the ability to attack can turn it into a surprising offensive threat, showcasing its unexpected combo potential.

Meta-Relevance: As player strategies often oscillate between aggressive and control elements, Wall of Razors maintains its relevance. It serves as a resilient roadblock in the face of many popular aggressive creatures, keeping your life total safe while you set up your winning plays.


How to beat

The Wall of Razors is an intriguing defensive card in Magic: The Gathering, touted for its high power and first strike ability, which makes it a formidable obstacle. Unlike typical walls, this card can be an offensive surprise. To counter this, players need strategies that negate the wall’s strengths or leverage its weaknesses. Efficient use of removal spells, such as Path to Exile or Doom Blade, can easily dispatch this otherwise sturdy defender. In combat, remember that enchantments or artifacts that grant protection or indestructibility can bypass the first strike capability, turning the tables on a Wall of Razors’ controller.

Additionally, exploiting the wall’s inability to attack gives you a tactical advantage. Focusing on evasive creatures, ones with flying or unblockable characteristics, allows you to bypass the Wall of Razors entirely. It’s also worth mentioning that since Wall of Razors has a toughness of just two, it is vulnerable to damage-based removal. Spells that deal damage across the board or to multiple targets can be highly effective. In brief, while the Wall of Razors presents itself as an intimidating card, with the right strategies and cards, overcoming it is well within reach of any adept MTG player.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Wall of Razors MTG card by a specific set like Stronghold, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Wall of Razors and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Wall of Razors has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal