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The 13 Best Carbon Fiber EDC Knives

The non-metallic material known for its incredible strength, feather-lightness and unique appearance makes for great EDC knife handles.

Vosteed Mini Nightshade knife on a tabletopVosteed

By Sean Tirman

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Technically speaking, carbon fiber dates back to 1879, when Thomas Edison created it out of cotton and bamboo slivers to produce lightbulb filament. However, it wouldn’t be refined into the strong, lightweight, non-metallic performance material we know and love today until much later, in the late ’50s and ’60s.

Since then, carbon fiber has become a mainstay of numerous engineering-heavy industries, including aerospace, automotive and the military — largely because of its unique combination of strength and versatility, as well as how lightweight it is. It’s also made its way into our pockets in the form of everyday carry gear (for the same reasons, too). And while you can find it in watches, wallets and other tools, one of the best applications might just be in EDC knives. And you’ll find 13 of our favorite carbon fiber everyday carry knives right here.

Products in the Guide

QSP Penguin

Blade HQ

QSP Penguin

A knife that confounds cost expectations, the QSP Penguin is remarkably affordable for something that comes with a respectable steel, handle material and locking mechanism. Yet, it does exist at a shockingly low price point. And no, it’s not a scam — this knife is the real deal.

Specs

Blade Length 3.125 inches
Blade Steel D2
Handle Material Carbon fiber (shredded)
Locking Mechanism Liner
Total Length 7.125 inches

Pros

  • Incredible value
  • Respectable materials

Cons

  • Low price might scare off more wary EDC enthusiasts

A budget darling of the knife forums, QSP’s penguin represents one of the best cost-to-value ratios of any folding blade on the market today. And the fact that you can get one with a shredded carbon fiber handle for under $40 is pretty jaw-dropping. If your budget is seriously restricted but you still desperately want a carbon fiber EDC knife, you can’t go wrong with this one.

Esee Zancudo

Esee Zancudo

From its serviceable, hard-working steel to its somewhat odd combination handle, this quirky folder comes from a brand that typically specializes in outdoor blades. However, it stands up to scrutiny and is actually quite the value for the money, especially for those who want a high-volume cutting tool without an exorbitant price.

Specs

Blade Length 2.94 inches
Blade Steel D2
Handle Material Carbon fiber, G10
Locking Mechanism Frame
Total Length 7.00 inches

Pros

  • Unique silhouette
  • Interesting material combination

Cons

  • From a brand that doesn't typically make folders

Esee is certainly best known for making fixed-blade knives for outdoor usage. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t also adept at crafting folders fit for EDC, as exemplified by the Zancudo. From its unique silhouette to its interesting combination of carbon fiber and G10 in the handle, this is certainly one of the more interesting knives in Esee’s lineup — and it’s surprisingly affordable, to boot.

Ontario RAT Model 1

Ontario RAT Model 1

An upgraded, elevated take on a beloved, tough, reliable, iconic folding knife, this variation on the OKC RAT is a bit more refined and EDC-friendly than its siblings (though it has a price tag to match). The design is a bit older, but it has still held up over time (and the material swaps in this version certainly help).

Specs

Blade Length 3.625 inches
Blade Steel D2
Handle Material Carbon fiber
Locking Mechanism Liner
Total Length 8.625 inches

Pros

  • Elevated materials on an iconic folder
  • Made by a trusted, time-tested name

Cons

  • A little expensive for this knife model

Though it has seemingly faded into the background in recent years, OKC’s RAT folder ranks among the best budget-friendly, hard-working folding knives ever made. This version elevates the typically tactical blade into something a little more refined, courtesy of its handsome handle and upgraded steel. And while more expensive than its brethren, its MSRP still falls under $100, even without a discount.

Vosteed Mini Nightshade

Vosteed

Vosteed Mini Nightshade

With its high-end (albeit quite stout) blade and surprisingly ergonomic lightweight handle, Vosteed’s Mini Nightshade is a big hit with the brand’s fans. Sadly, that makes it sometimes hard to get — but those who do will find that it offers impressive full-sized cutting power in a rather compact package.

Specs

Blade Length 2.6 inches
Blade Steel CPM S35VN
Handle Material Carbon Fiber
Locking Mechanism Slider
Total Length 6.31 inches

Pros

  • Extremely unique silhouette
  • Highly compact

Cons

  • Prone to selling out

Utilizing a unique silhouette that sneakily offers a cutting edge longer than one might expect from such a compact knife, Vosteed’s Mini Nightshade masterfully avoids one of the biggest pitfalls of compact EDC knives. And while it is quite popular (and, therefore, prone to selling out), it benefits from having seven different varieties to choose from.

SOG Ultra XR

SOG Ultra XR

SOG’s Ultra XR is so thin it can literally fit into a wallet. That alone gives it top marks for compact carry. However, it also boasts an array of features one might expect from a much larger knife, including an ambidextrous locking mechanism. It’s an unusual knife, but one that plays well for those obsessed with keeping their carry weight low.

Specs

Blade Length 2.75 inches
Blade Steel CPM S35VN
Handle Material Carbon fiber
Locking Mechanism XR (slider)
Total Length 6.125 inches

Pros

  • Extremely thin
  • Ambidextrous operation

Cons

  • Thin handle not the most ergonomic

There’s certainly something to be said for ultra-thin pocket knives, and SOG’s Ultra XR says more than most. Built like a high-end folder but a good deal more compact than anything else around, this knife would probably be little more than an oddity if it wasn’t so marvelously built. It’s not for everyone, but if you want your carry as sleek as possible, it’s hard to beat.

Kizer Sheepdog C01C

Kizer Sheepdog C01C

An upscaled version of one of the brand’s most iconic knives, Kizer’s Sheepdog is a hefty knife — although it benefits from some weight-saving, courtesy of its carbon fiber handle. Boasting a hefty butcher-inspired blade, this is a tough cutter that begs to be used and shown off.

Specs

Blade Length 3.25 inches
Blade Steel CPM S35VN
Handle Material Carbon fiber
Locking Mechanism Liner
Total Length 7.75 inches

Pros

  • Carbon fiber handle shaves some weight off
  • Large, sturdy blade

Cons

  • Quite large

Kizer’s Sheepdog has been around for a long time and is definitely a fan-favorite from this semi-under-the-radar brand. However, this version is pretty novel, mostly because of its sleek carbon fiber handle (perhaps obviously). And while the blade is a bit large, it still squarely fits in the everyday carry category.

Spyderco Smock

Spyderco

Spyderco Smock

A bit of a departure for Spyderco, mostly stylistically, the Smock is actually a collaboration with designer Kevin Smock and is based on his custom SK23. While this sleek knife does boast a Compression lock (which we love), it is enhanced with a button that makes it even easier to use — and that’s just one of the things that makes this knife so unique and superb.

Specs

Blade Length 3.39 inches
Blade Steel CPM S30V
Handle Material Carbon Fiber
Locking Mechanism Compression (button)
Total Length 7.92 inches

Pros

  • Enhanced Compression lock
  • Low-profile flipper
  • Sleek silhouette

Cons

  • Doesn't have the signature Spyderco look

Spyderco’s most defining design feature — the signature leaf blade shape — is also one of the brand’s most divisive. If you’ve been keen on the brand’s reputation and quality but haven’t been able to get over that stylistic hump, the Smock might be the knife for you, as it doesn’t quite look like a Spyderco but it does still boast the same quality and design prowess.

Buck Knives 500 Duke Legacy Collection

Buck Knives 500 Duke Legacy Collection

A brilliant melding of the past and present, this knife boasts Buck’s signature, heirloom stying in a knife whose materials are decidedly modern — including a high-end Crucible steel blade and that gorgeous carbon fiber handle with its nickel silver bolster. Yes, it’s and investment, but this is a knife you could pass down for generations.

Specs

Blade Length 3.00 inches
Blade Steel CPM S30V
Handle Material Carbon Fiber
Locking Mechanism Back
Total Length 7.25 inches

Pros

  • Elevated, iconic design
  • Heirloom style with modern materials

Cons

  • Lock placement requires two-handed operation

Buck’s Folding 110 Hunter is one of the most iconic pocket knives of all time. While this is not that knife, it is very similarly styled and heavily upgraded. For knife collectors and those who like old-school style with modern sensibilities, there are few knives that come close to being as gorgeous and solidly-built as this one.

Benchmade 940-1 Osborne

Benchmade 940-1 Osborne

While Benchmade’s Warren Osborne-designed 940 is a bit older now, its still highly beloved among knife enthusiasts for the many, many things it gets right. It’s a tough folder designed to work, but it also has a profile slim enough for daily carry — all while boasting an unmistakeable silhouette. This is a knife that belongs in every EDC enthusiast’s collection.

Specs

Blade Length 3.40 inches
Blade Steel CPM S90V
Handle Material Carbon Fiber
Locking Mechanism Axis
Total Length 7.87 inches

Pros

  • Legendary design from a legendary designer
  • Superb materials and other features

Cons

  • Somewhat dated at this point
Read our full review of the Benchmade 940-1 Osborne

There are really only a handful of relatively modern EDC knives that could be considered heirloom-quality, and Benchmade’s Osborne 940 is one of them — in any configuration, mind you. This one benefits from some weight-saving, courtesy of its carbon fiber handle. Otherwise, it’s just as iconic and well-built as its brethren.

Terrain 365 STS-ATB

Terrain 365 STS-ATB

Terrain 365 makes extremely expensive knives, and this one is no exception. However, that comes in trade for obscenely high-quality materials and a proprietary knife steel that’s entirely immune to corrosion. This knife is definitely overbuilt for EDC, unless you’re planning for the apocalypse. It’s also one of the most impressive blades we’ve come across.

Specs

Blade Length 3.5 inches
Blade Steel Terravantium
Handle Material Carbon fiber, titanium
Locking Mechanism Frame
Total Length 8.1 inches

Pros

  • Immune to corrosion
  • Extremely high build quality

Cons

  • Extremely expensive

While Terrain 365 is not a household name by any stretch, it should be in the lexicon of every everyday carry and outdoor enthusiast, as it makes some of the toughest, most impressive folding knives around. A lot of that is courtesy of the brand’s signature Terravantium blade steel, which is impervious to corrosion, but that’s just one part of the picture. Everything this brand makes is exquisite and hard-working.

Böker Plus Collection 2024

Boker

Boker Plus Collection 2024

Only 500 of this Les George design will ever be made. And while its rarity is certainly a reason to stand out, the understated ergonomic design helps bring out the beauty of its top-notch materials — allowing the handle, especially to speak for itself.

Specs

Blade Length 3.66 inches
Blade Steel MagnaCut
Handle Material Carbon fiber
Locking Mechanism Frame
Total Length 8.35 inches

Pros

  • Highly capable blade
  • Eye-catching handle
  • Ergonomic design

Cons

  • Limited edition, only 500 made
  • Extremely expensive for an EDC knife

Les George is nothing short of legendary in the world of everyday carry and knife design. And while many of his knives are much more budget-friendly, it’s pretty cool to see what happens when the reigns are taken off. This is a high-end collector’s knife, but it’s also one that is tough and well-built enough to be used daily. The only real downside (besides its admittedly exorbitant price) is that it’s limited to just 500 examples.

Chris Reeve Knives Mnandi

Blade HQ

Chris Reeve Knives Mnandi

The smallest, most discreet knife in CRK’s entire lineup, the Mnandi somehow looks very unique — when compared to the brand’s other offerings — while still being distinctly CRK. Its nail nick offers an ambidextrous opening, while the carbon fiber onlays up the modernity and style.

Specs

Blade Length 2.75 inches
Blade Steel CPM S45VN
Handle Material Titanium with carbon fiber onlays
Locking Mechanism Frame
Total Length 6.375 inches

Pros

  • Unique, even among Chris Reeve designs
  • Exceptional quality from tip to tail

Cons

  • Excessively expensive

“Mnandi” is actually a Zulu word, which translates to “very nice.” It’s fair to say that name is a bit of an understatement, as this knife is nothing short of exceptional. This version is especially unique, as it swaps the wood onlays for carbon fiber. It’s also exclusively available through Blade HQ — meaning you can’t get it anywhere else, even through CRK.

Benchmade Gold Class Full Immunity

benchmade gold class full immunity knife on a white backgroundBenchmade

Benchmade Gold Class Full Immunity

This high-end rendition of the Full Immunity features a Wharncliffe-style blade made of Damasteel damascus, unidirectional carbon fiber scales and bright sapphire blue accents, including the thumb stud and pocket clip.

Specs

Blade Length 2.49 inches
Blade Material Ægir patterned Damasteel
Handle Material Unidirectional carbon fiber
Locking Mechanism Axis
Total Length 5.94 inches

Pros

  • Unimpeachable quality and materials
  • Heirloom treatment for relatively new knife

Cons

  • Extremely expensive

A relatively new offering from Benchmade, the Full Immunity capitalizes on the size and format of a couple of other recent releases (Bugout and Bailout) and capitalizes on them with a more aggressive Wharncliffe blade. This version ups the ante even further with absurdly high-end materials, including Damasteel and carbon fiber. The price is eye-watering, but then again so is the beauty of this knife.

What is carbon fiber, exactly?

As mentioned, carbon fiber was first discovered as far back as 1879 (by Thomas Edison) but would not be refined into the construction material we know and love today until much later, in the ’50s and ’60s. It has also been consistently revisited and reimagined — meaning the versions we see today are even stronger, more versatile and even more unique in a number of ways from older versions.

But what makes this construction material so special? For starters, it’s non-metallic and actually organic — meaning it won’t set off metal detectors and has no magnetic properties. And it’s largely manufactured similarly to fabrics, the fibers being spun into yarn. That yarn is then woven, pressed, heated, oxidized and/or put through a number of different processes to further refine it, which helps increase its inherent properties.

When applied to everyday carry knives, there are a few different versions you’ll see. Woven carbon fiber — which usually gives it a grid-like pattern, but can also look kind of like houndstooth or other fabric patterns — is the most common (and oldest) presentation of the material in knifemaking. Shredded carbon fiber is exactly what it sounds like: carbon fiber is ripped to pieces and arranged without a repeating pattern before being suspended in resin (giving it more multilateral strength). And forged carbon fiber is the newest, strongest (and most expensive) version of the material — essentially a step beyond shredded, but based on the same overall concept.

Why should you care about carbon fiber in an EDC knife?

For starters, carbon fiber is around five times stronger than steel and twice as stiff. It’s also about five times lighter. These two factors alone are reason enough to be interested in it as an EDC knifemaking material. But it also benefits from a unique appearance in any of its constituent forms.

The downside? It tends to be pretty damn expensive compared to some other knifemaking materials. While the cost has dropped in recent years (largely due to ongoing improvements in the manufacturing processes), it can still cost quite a bit, comparatively speaking. Still, if you can afford it, there are few materials quite as interesting and unique as carbon fiber.

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