Every experienced survavilist would agree that heading out in the great outdoors without a proper knife is a bad idea. However, if you can’t find a knife that will stay sharp enough while still being lightweight for you to carry, think abоut finding the best carbon fiber knife.
Ideally, your carbon fiber knife will be lightweight enough to be carried with you every day. It is supposed to be sharp enough not to let you down when you most need it, but also be stylish and elegant. However, picking the right model out of the hundreds is something that takes time and is not an easy task at all.
To help you in the process of making the decision and picking the right knife for you, we’ve created this article. We’ve highlighted the most important features and things that you need to consider, but we also made some reviews of knives that are worth your time. Follow up with us and read on to learn more about carbon fiber knives!
Our Top Picks
| Product Name | Weight | Dimensions | Blade Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boker Plus Anti-Grav Knife | 4 oz. | 6 x 1 x 1 in. | 3 1/4 in. | Check price on Amazon |
| Buck Knives Nobleman Carbon Fiber Knife | 2.6 oz. | 7.7 x 5.3 x 0.8 in. | 2 5/8 in. | Check price on Amazon |
| Cool Hand Carbon Fiber Fixed Blade Knife | 1.8 oz. | 7 x 3 x 0.1 in. | 3 in. | Check price on Amazon |
| Case Small Carbon Fiber Lockback Pocket Knife | 0.6 oz. | 3.1 x 0.4 x 0.8 in. | 2.38 in. | Check price on Amazon |
| Cool Hand 3.75'' Super Light Carbon Fiber Folding Knife | 1.2 oz. | 3.75 x 2.75 x 0.07 in. | 2.75 in. | Check price on Amazon |
| Benchmark Wildwind Linerlock Fold Knife | 0.3 oz. | 9.6 x 1 x 2 in. | 3 1/4 in. | Check price on Amazon |
| Spyderco Bradley Folder 2 Carbon Fiber | 2.1 oz. | 8.4 x 1 x 0.1 in. | 3.6 in. | Check price on Amazon |
| Benchmade - 940-1 Knife, Reverse Tanto, Carbon Fiber Handle | 2.4 oz. | 7.9 x 2 x 0.4 in. | 3.4 in. | Check price on Amazon |
Things to Consider Before Buying
Before buying a carbon fiber knife, you need to consider some things that are important so you can find the best model for you. It looks like a knife is a knife, but there wouldn’t be hundreds of models out there if it was like that.
Weight
When it comes to carbon fiber knives, the best feature you get with buying one is that is lightweight and easy to carry in all occasions. The weight is often directly related to the materials out of which the knife is made and of course, bigger knives do tend to weigh more.
The whole point of the carbon fiber knife is to be lightweight and stylish, so if you are looking at a knife that you like how it looks, but it’s too heavy, don’t buy it. It is almost certain you’ll find another model with great looks but less weight.
Dimensions
Almost all carbon fiber knives are EDC – Every Day Carry – knives with small dimensions. They are usually small enough to fit in your pocket or be worn on a pocket clip. Some of them are so tiny, you can place them on a keychain.
One of the cons of the knives made of carbon fiber is being expensive. That’s why knives bigger than 10 inches are very expensive and are not considered EDC. So, it’s best for you to think about your budget and compare it to your real needs – what you want from your knife, and what purpose it will be used for.
Materials
In general, when more materials are used to make one knife that means that all of them must be implemented one to the other. That actually means that the knife will have more strings, locks, screws – and that means it will lose one strength and it can be considered less durable than other models.
When choosing a knife made of carbon fiber, the best choice is to find a model that is completely made of the same material, or with the maximum of two different materials. For example, the handle can be made of carbon fiber, while the blade of stainless steel – or the other way around, if that’s what you prefer.
Type of Opening
Carbon fiber knives are usually EDC and are easily handled by one hand. These types of knives have a different type of opening and closing style, but they are all made to be opened with one hand. There is no right and wrong in this case, only what you prefer more.
Three main options are offered by most of the knives – thumb hole, thumb stud, and thumb disc. They all offer the same concept it is only left on the user to choose what they prefer more. Some like the thumb or the “spydie” hole because it fits their finger well, while others like the stud more because they have a good grip on it.
Blade Length
One of the features you need to consider is the blade length. The blade length might be shorter and with you’ll have trouble cutting something bigger, so if you choose a shorter blade, make sure the whole knife is smaller in dimensions and lightweight enough to be carried as a standard EDC knife.
If you need it for something more serious, don’t be tricked by the dimensions of the knife. The dimensions are usually shown with both opened and closed knife. Also, the length of the blade should be mentioned with the other numbers. A standard blade length of an 8-inch knife is around 3.3 inches.
Other Features
A good carbon fiber knife is not supposed to have scissors or nail clippers included. A standard EDC carbon fiber knife is used for cutting, so don’t expect miracles when it comes to other included features.
However, an almost standard feature in many carbon fiber knives is the pocket clip and that is something you might consider before buying if you think you will need it. A lanyard hole is also a very common option, and if you want your knife to be durable, look for knives that are corrosion-proof.
Best Products of Today’s Market
With these things in mind, we have searched for some of the best options on the market today and we’ve made some analyzing for you. Here they are:
Boker Plus Anti-Grav Knife 
Price: Approx. $80
Weight: 4 ounces
Dimensions: 6 x 1 x 1 inches
Specific features: Easy opening, lightweight, carbon fiber handle, elegant, frame lock system, durable
Best use: Camping, hiking, backpacking, hunting, fishing, everyday use
Description: A great carbon fiber knife for everyday use is the Boker Plus Anti-Grav Knife that is suitable for all kinds of situations. With a size of just 6 inches, it is great for carrying it in your pocket or clipped on it. Yes, it offers a clipping option and a lanyard hole for easier carrying. The blade length is 3 1/4 inches of sharp ceramic.
With a weight of just 4 ounces, this knife is ideal for your ultralight backpacking needs, but knowing that it is very durable and sharp, you can use it in some very serious and complex situations in the great outdoors. You can cut through almost anything with it without worrying that it will break.
The design is very elegant, there’s a frame lock mechanism that makes it pretty compact and easy to use. That’s why it is most recommended for your everyday needs. It is not a knife that looks like a machete, it’s lightweight and easy to cut with, but if you need a knife to cut trees, you might look for something else.
The springs are made of steel, the handle is carbon and the blade is ceramic. That means more materials are included inside, which is a good thing if you like a mash-up of strong materials, but it’s a bad thing knowing that the manufacturer could make a better solution and make it more solid overall.
PROS:
- Great design
- Lightweight and compact
- Dimensions are amazing
- Excellent blade handle length ratio
CONS:
- Too many materials included
- Blade made of ceramic
- Not very durable
Related: For a ceramic blade that might become dull after some time, there is the Work Sharp Diamond Belt Accessory Kit. This tool is specially made for sharpening ceramic blades. It’s important to know that you can’t sharpen steel blades, it’s made only for ceramic blades. The kit includes two belts – a 180 grit rough diamond belt and a 1500 grit fine diamond belt. The kit can be used for working on other items of ceramic too.
Buck Knives Nobleman Knife 
Price: Approx. $26
Weight: 2.6 ounces
Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
Specific features: Folding blade, design, thumb stud, small, lightweight, frame lock
Best use: Hunting, fishing, backpacking, camping, indoor use
Description: The Buck Knives Nobleman Knife is an EDC knife and it is small and lightweight, but in this case that doesn’t mean it’s useless. This knife is solid and capable of handling most of the problems that you’ll encounter in the outdoors.
The best side of this knife is the design. It looks really smooth and elegant and it can be carried as a fashion accessory, of course, if that’s your thing. Being pretty small and lightweight it is also great for carrying in the pocket or using the pocket clip it can be hanged on the side of your clothes.
The blade is made of 440A stainless steel which means it’s not the best possible out there on the market. This type of steel doesn’t contain too much carbon fiber, so the blade and the knife overall will not be very durable and might fail you while using it – so be careful if you plan using it life-depending situations.
It is, however, pretty sharp right after you open the box. It is not a toy, so be careful when you first try it and until you get used to it. The handle is excellent and the grip is amazing. The stainless steel here is specially designed to make a great grip on your hand so you won’t have problems cutting anything.
Of course, this knife is not made to cut large trees and if you try that, it will probably slip and you won’t get the job done – it feels great in your hand, though. It opens and closes on a frame lock, so it’s compact and easy to carry even when you’re not using it.
PROS:
- Great design
- Lightweight and easy
- Good grip
CONS:
- Not very durable
- Not too much carbon fiber included
Related: If you don’t like carrying your knife in the pocket but rather on your belt, here’s a solution. The Buck 110 Folding Brown Sheath will keep your knife on hand-reach at all times. Specially designed for folding knives, this brown leather sheath is maybe the best solution for you. It is made in the USA and it weighs only 0.3 ounces which means it’s perfect for your trips in the great outdoors.
Cool Hand Carbon Fiber Knife 
Price: Approx. $30
Weight: 1.8 ounces
Dimensions: 7 x 3 x 0.1 inches
Specific features: Special blade cover, corrosion-proof, lightweight, beaded chain included, ergonomic, durable
Best use: Hunting, fishing, camping, backpacking, self-defense, home use
Description: Maybe the best side of the Cool Hand Carbon Fiber Knife is the design. It is made of one whole piece, without frame locks, or additional unnecessary features that you won’t need and won’t use. That makes this knife durable as a carbon fiber can be – absolutely unbreakable.
Knowing that it is made of one piece, you can be sure that it won’t fail you and break in the moments you need it. But, having no locks, it is kind of unsafe to carry it with you on all occasions. Yes, it has a pocket to cover the blade and a specially made beaded chain that is included, but it’s still not something you can simply put in your pocket.
If you don’t mind that, it’s good to know that the chain can be connected through a special hole at the end of the handle, so you can carry it in your backpack. The handle is designed so it won’t sleep while using it. It’s ergonomic and the feel in your hand is excellent especially because it is pretty lightweight.
The knife itself weights only 0.5 ounces, but together with the sheath and the cord is around 1.8 ounces. That places it among the most lightweight knives on the market, so if this is a feature that you’re looking for, this knife is the right one for you.
PROS:
- Good value for money
- Durable
- Very lightweight
- Amazing grip
- Great design
CONS:
- Not suitable for everyday use
- Bulky with the sheath on
Related: If you like to add some additional style and glam to your knife, consider this Tiking Titanium Paracord Lanyard. The lace is standard and the bead is made of titanium that means it’s incredibly strong. The dimensions are 0.9 x 0.4 inches and it weighs less than 0.09 ounces. It looks great and will certainly add some style to your black carbon fiber knife.
Case Small Lockback Pocket Knife 
Price: Approx. $60
Weight: 0.8 ounces
Dimensions: 3.1 x 0.4 x 0.8 inches
Specific features: Very sharp, very lightweight, durable, simple locking mechanism, corrosion-proof
Best use: Indoor use, camping, hunting, backpacking, everyday use
Description: A traditional design and an excellent look are what the Case Small Lockback Pocket Knife offers you when you first lay eyes on it – and in this case, what you see is exactly what you get. A traditional lock blade knife that is placed in a case with a great look is the simplest way to explain what this model is.
The 2.38 inches long blade is extremely sharp and can cut through almost anything. Made completely of high carbon stainless steel, it is a knife that is very durable and you can be sure that it won’t fail you at all times. The handle is made of the same material but with some added details for better grip that makes it very ergonomic.
This knife is made in the USA. The manufacturer offers the buyers a lifetime warranty, so with all this being said, you know it is durable and it will never let you down. You can carry it in your pocket or place a cord through the hole on the back of the handle and carry it with your keys. The dimensions offer you this option – the knife is very compact and easy to use.
On the back of the handle is the switch or the locking mechanism that you press when you want to use the blade or put it back in the case. That way you’ll feel safe that your knife is not dangerous when it’s not in function, but when you open it, it’s firm and strong.
PROS:
- Very durable
- Extremely sharp
- EDC and lightweight
- Easy to use
CONS:
- Simple design
- No pocket clip
Related: When you’re carrying your knife in a pocket it is a place where you have to reach before you get it. But if you use a cord, like the Fox Outdoor Knife Lanyard you’ll be able to get your knife out of your pocket, sheath or pouch in no time. It is 4 inches long and has a good grip on your hand. The lanyard can be used for all kinds of other things, like keys, phones, flashlights etc.
Cool Hand Folding Knife 
Price: Approx. $56
Weight: 1.2 ounces
Dimensions: 3.75 x 2.75 x 0.07 inches
Specific features: Lightweight, completely made of carbon fiber, additional features, lock mechanism
Best use: Fishing, hunting, backpacking, self-defense, camping, indoor, everyday use
Description: A great modern and stylish look offers this Cool Hand Folding Knife that is made completely of 3000 carbon fiber material. It might not be as sharp as the ceramic blades are, but the carbon fiber blade is more strong and durable. You might need to sharpen it from time to time, but at least you know that it will never break.
It has a classic lock mechanism like most of the EDC knives on the market use. The manufacturer made sure it fits in the design and the line that it holds is really amazing. It looks like a knife from the future, really.
Weighing only 1.2 ounces, it is one of the lightest pocket knives on the market. The lock mechanism makes it really easy to use and when it is closed it is perfect for carrying in the pocket. However, if you don’t like it inside the pocket, it has a pocket clip on the side of the case that is made of metal. Another option for carrying is the lanyard hole so you can add a string and tie it where ever you like.
The 2.75-inch blade is placed on a 3.75-inch handle that has excellent grip and feels great in the hand. This knife is suitable for your everyday activities, but also for outdoor adventures and situations when you need a tool that can cut different kinds of materials.
PROS:
- Amazing design
- Very lightweight
- Full carbon fiber made
- 75-inch blade
- Great blade/handle length ratio
CONS:
- Not too sharp
- Need constant sharpening
Related: Never lose the carbon fiber glow and look with Dr. Beasley’s P28T12 Carbon Glaze. It is normal for your carbon fiber knife to lose its looks in time, so use this cream to polish your knife and get the old back. The bottle contains 12 ounces of cream that will leave an amazing carbon looking shine. It is non-abrasive and will provide the extra care you need for your knife a long time after you polish it with this cream.
Benchmark Wildwind Linerlock Fold Knife 
Price: Approx. $34
Weight: 0.3 ounces
Dimensions: 9.6 x 1 x 2 inches
Specific features: Very lightweight, elegant, compact, metal clip, lock mechanism
Best use: Hiking, fishing, hunting, backpacking, self-defense, everyday use
Description: The Benchmark Wildwind Linerlock is probably one of the most lightweight knives made of carbon fiber on the market at the moment. It weighs only 0.3 ounces, which is extremely light, and you’ll probably completely forget you have it on you while go hiking or do some of your everyday activities.
The size when the knife is opened is almost 10 inches, but when it’s closed, it’s just 4 1/4 inches, which is excellent to be kept in the pocket. If you don’t like carrying it in your pocket and you always want to have it within hand-reach, you can use the well-designed pocket clip. The clip is made of metal while the blade and the handle are completely made of carbon fiber.
The carbon fiber is such material that is not suitable for cutting large trees, so don’t rely on it in situations in which the knife might be your life savior. For all other needs, it is a great knife that can be of use. It will cut through the cardboard that it is packed in without any problem.
The design is one of the best sides of this knife. It’s completely made black and it looks like a fashion accessory on you. Being very lightweight, you can carry it on your keychain. There is a dual thumb studs option for opening and a lanyard hole at the end of the handle to put it on a string.
PROS:
- Very elegant
- Small and compact
- Very lightweight
- Dual thumb studs
CONS:
- Not too sharp
- Not very durable
Related: For sharpening the blade, there are special carbon fiber sharpeners. The Lamson Signature Honing Steel is one of them. It is a 10-inch rod with a Packwood handle for your best experience while you’re sharpening. The sharpener is made of special steel that attracts the loose metal fibers while you sharpen the knife. It is made in the USA and it has a lifetime warranty, so you know that you won’t need anything else for sharpening until you own a carbon fiber knife.
Spyderco Bradley Folder Knife 
Price: Approx. $144
Weight: 2.1 ounces
Dimensions: 8.4 x 1 x 0.1 inches
Specific features: Very sharp blade, longer handle, liner lock mechanism, thumb hole, elegant, compact, pocket clip
Best use: Camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, self-defense, everyday use
Description: A very nice and elegant pocket knife is the Spyderco Bradley Folder Knife. With a blade of 3.6 inches and an overall length of 8.4 inches, this is a knife that is excellent for everyday use and carrying in a pocket.
This is the second version of the famous model with slight changes in the look, but with better performance. It is made lighter, slimmer, and better. The weight is 2.1 ounces, which is not something that we can call heavy, but on the other hand, it’s just 2 ounces – it is simply lightweight enough to be considered a knife for all occasions.
The handle and the blade are made of stainless steel and carbon fiber particles. That makes it pretty strong and able to get the job done in all situations which is why we can call it durable. On the side, it has a pocket clip for those who like to carry their knife this way even though it is small and compact enough to be put in the pocket.
PROS:
- Good control over it
- Very sharp
- Pretty durable
CONS:
- Kind of pricey
- Corrosive after some time
Related: The spring of your knife won’t work forever like the day you bought the knife. You need to lubricate it from time to time. For that need, you can use the Sentry Solutions Tuf-Glide oil. It is packed in a bottle that contains oil for lubricating and just a drop over the spring is enough to do the job. When placed where you need it, it takes only seconds for your springs to work properly again.
Benchmade Reverse Tanto Knife 
Price: Approx. $270
Weight: 2.4 ounces
Dimensions: 7.9 x 2 x 0.4 inches
Specific features: Design, thumb stud, tanto blade, strung, durable, ergonomic
Best use: Hunting, camping, fishing, hiking, self-defense, everyday use
Description: The Benchmade Reverse Tanto Knife is one of the best knives on the market. That’s why it’s quite pricey compared to the others. However, it has an excellent design, it is very lightweight for its size and it is really durable.
The design is such that it looks like a knife that was used in some SF movie based somewhere in the deep space – it’s really cool. It opens and closes with one hand with the help of a thumb stud placed on the upper part of the blade. The lock mechanism works perfectly and is based on a traditional lock system style.
The blade is made of some fine CPM S90V stainless steel that includes carbon fiber materials. It is extremely sharp and strong. The handle is made of carbon fiber and it is specially made ergonomic so it can fit perfectly in your hand. On the side of it, there is a pocket clip if you want to carry your knife out of the pocket where it fits just great.
The reversed tanto blade also looks very cool. The tanto blade style is the style of the traditional Japanese swords used by the samurai – so it’s kinda exciting knowing that you’re carrying a mini samurai sword on you.
Maybe the best side of this knife is the lifetime warranty in which sharpening, lubricating, repairing and taking complete care of your knife is offered by the manufacturer. That way, you won’t need to think about when and why your knife has dulled – just send it over to the company, and they’ll fix it.
PROS:
- Very stylish
- Reversed tanto blade
- Lifetime warranty and care
- Lightweight and compact
- Easy to use
CONS:
- Too expensive
- Can’t handle bigger challenges
Related: If you like carrying your knife in a sheath and on the belt, try this different than others, Raine Horizontal Knife Sheath. It is made of 100% polyester and in the USA. It is made to fit more than 40 different types of folding knives so you can use it for all the knives you have – just make sure they are under 5.5 inches. It is very lightweight – just over 0.1 ounces, so you can have it on you all the time, even if you’re not carrying anything.
Wrapping up
When it comes to carbon fiber knives it’s all about style and elegance. Of course, the main purpose of the knife is to cut, so don’t forget that part too. When you find these features, look for the models that are the most lightweight because you’ll be probably carrying your knife with you daily.
We highlighted these features in the models above, you just need to think about what you love most in your carbon fiber knife and make the right decision for you. If it is style that you’re looking for, we know that you’ll have a tough decision – almost all of the listed look amazing.
Do you have a favorite when it comes to carbon fiber knives? If that’s the case, then leave us a comment and let us know, we’d love to hear about it!
