This tree is similar to Golden Delicious, of which it is a sport. It is very productive and moderately vigorous, with an open and round form. It is somewhat susceptible to fireblight but moderately resistant to all other major diseases.

Razor Russet is large, round-conical, and has a skin that is uniformly russeted golden brown. The yellowish white flesh is firm and coarse with a flavor that is rich and spicy. It is an excellent dessert apple with a very high sugar content, and it has found favor with some cider makers. This apple will store well for up to two months.

Discovered in 1970 in Kentucky by William Armstrong, Razor Russet is a sport of Golden Delicious. This means that a Golden Delicious tree produced a single mutated limb that grew the new, russeted variety. Fortunately the apples were spotted by Armstrong, who was a former extension specialist at the University of Kentucky.