THE BEST CARBON FIBER KNIVES YOU CAN BUY

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Knives with carbon fiber handles (also known as “graphite fiber”) are awesome. Strong, classy, charming, lightweight, sleek, and versatile, Gallantry Man knives with carbon fiber handles are pure stunners, and, thus, they are highly desirable.

Let’s dig into what exactly this legendary material known as “carbon fiber” is, its history, its best attributes, and, finally, take a look at our collection of the most good-looking everyday carry carbon fiber knives around.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

WHAT IS CARBON FIBER?

Carbon fiber is produced when carbon atoms are bonded together in crystals that are aligned parallel to their lengthy fiber axis. Over 90% of all this incredibly heat-tolerant material is made from a raw PAN (polyacrylonitrile), which is stretched, put through an oxidation process, and carbonized in order to create carbon fiber.

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When thousands of thin strands of the impactful construction material known as carbon fiber get woven into a pattern (before being set it resin), the end result is a remarkably strong (with the potential to replace steel, carbon fiber is favored by racecar and aircraft engineers for good reason) fabric that is perfectly suited to composite your next everyday carry knife handle.

Sir Joseph Wilson Swan used carbon fiber in 1860 for incandescent light bulbs.

Photo Credit: Sunderland Echo

THE HISTORY OF CARBON FIBER: THE BEGINNING

Though carbon fiber has really only soared in popularity due to modern advances in the last fifty years, the truth of the matter is that the material has been around for more than a century and a half.

American Inventor Thomas Edison

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Like Sir Joseph Watson before him, Thomas Edison himself used cellulose-based (i.e. cotton or bamboo) carbon fiber filaments as electrical conductors to be heated by electricity in some of his earliest light bulb iterations. In fact, Edison’s carbonization method of baking, known as pyrolysis, is still practiced to this very day.

By the early 20^th century, however, the light bulb filament known as tungsten had rendered carbon fiber completely obsolete.

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THE HISTORY OF CARBON FIBER: THE MID 20^TH CENTURY

Magnificent high tensile strength carbon fibers re-emerged on the scene at the Union Carbide Parma Technical Center in Cleveland, Ohio in 1958 when a man named Roger Bacon accidentally produced the first petroleum-based carbon fibers when trying to measure the triple point of carbon by heating multiple strands of rayon in argon. Though Bacon’s process was inefficient, it nevertheless accomplished some seriously heaving lifting, laying the groundwork for future carbon fiber innovation.

Flash forward to the early 1960’s. While Dr. Akio Shindo of the Agency of Industrial Science and Technology was further refining modern carbon fiber by using cost-effective PAN in Japan, scientists W. Watt, L. N. Phillips, and W. Johnson of the UK Ministry of Defense were patenting a new carbon fiber manufacturing process in England.

In the 1960’s, The British National Research Development Corporation licensed its patented carbon fiber process to companies like Rolls Royce (pictured above is the Phantom IV).

Photo Credit: Top Gear

Word about the new and improved carbon fiber spread far and wide fast, and, before long, manufacturers all over the place wanted in on the non-metallic material that somehow exhibited properties similar to those of the very best metals.

While Japan essentially manufactures half of the world’s carbon fiber supply, America uses nearly 60% of all the carbon fiber produced worldwide.

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THE HISTORY OF CARBON FIBER: THE 21^ST CENTURY

Ever since the 1970’s, when several other prominent types of carbon fiber yarn entered the global marketplace), carbon fiber has been a material that you can find just about anywhere.

Photo Credit: SGL Carbon

Aerospace transportation, sporting goods, wind energy sources, automobiles of all shapes and sizes, wedding rings, you name it - the design engineers behind these products and more love using carbon fiber. It makes perfect sense, too. Newer fibers contain up to 95% carbon, in turn giving them increased elasticity and strength.

Photo Credit: Lindy Design Lab

THE BENEFITS OF OWNING CARBON FIBER KNIFE

Owning an everyday carry knife with a handle constructed from carbon fiber has two major benefits, as these beautiful knives are sure to be extremely strong and lightweight.

On the strength front, carbon fiber handles not only have a high strength-to-weight ratio, but also can be woven in a manner that can make them up to 5x stronger and 2x stiffer than steels with similar weights. This means that they’re highly resistant to breakage (i.e. tensile strength), heat, stretching, and corrosion.

On the lightweight front, carbon fiber is 70% lighter than steel and 40% lighter than aluminum. This is no small feat, especially in applications where high temperatures, chemical inertness, and high damping are critical elements to be considered.

Watch the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team's new video series taking viewers through the process of building an F1 car with carbon fiber HERE.

Photo Credit: Motor Authority

The verdict is in. As a Gallantry Man, you deserve the best of the best. As such, your next everyday carry Gallantry Man knife needs to be constructed from carbon fiber.

Let’s take a look at our favorites.

THE 0452CF FRAMELOCK FLIPPER FROM ZERO TOLERANCE

Designed by renowned bladesmith Dmitry Sinkevich, the Zero Tolerance 0452CF is an update of the award-winning 0454, with a 4.1" blade crafted from exquisite S35VN, among the very highest quality steels available.

The X-factor here is, of course, the handle, which is constructed from light-to-the-touch carbon fiber on one side with a titanium framelock that gives it an unmatched toughness.

If you're looking for a high-quality tactical folder with beauty and brains, make the 0452CF your new main squeeze today.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Made in the USA
• Designed by renowned bladesmith Dmitry Sinkevich
• CPM-S35VN stainless steel blade for strength and durability
• Carbon-fiber handle with a titanium framelock
• 4.1" blade, 9.27" overall length
• Flat-ground drop point design with a satin finish
• 4.64 oz.

THE 0470 SINKEVICH FLIPPER FRAMELOCK FROM ZERO TOLERANCE

Built in the USA with precision by Zero Tolerance and designed by famed blade designer Dmitry Sinkevich, the 0470 Sinkevich Flipper knife can become the crown jewel of your everyday carry collection right here, right now.

Equipped with a built-in flipper, Zero Tolerance’s signature KVT ball-bearing opening system, and, of course, premium CPM-20CV blade steel, this beauty packs some seriously silky smooth action that makes it incredibly easy and fast to open. Meanwhile, the unique marbled carbon fiber front insert compliments the solid titanium framelock handle to further enhance a blade that can only be described as a true work of art.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Made in the USA
• Designed by renowned bladesmith Dmitry Sinkevich
• CPM-20CV stainless steel blade, for the ultimate in edge retention and corrosion resistance
• Titanium framelock, with carbon fiber inlay
• KVT bearing pivot provides smooth and effortless flipper deployment.
• Blade length: 3.4"
• Overall length: 7.8"
• Flat-ground drop point design with a satin finish
• Weight: 3.3 oz.

THE HINDERER SLICER FLIPPER KNIFE FROM ZERO TOLERANCE

Designed by famous bladesmith Rick Hinderer, the 0562 variation known as The Hinderer Slicer Flipper Knife from Zero Tolerance features a flat-ground "slicer" grind paired with a world-class CPM-20CV stainless steel blade, not to mention a carbon fiber front scale and a stonewashed titanium back.

This total knockout of a knife can be easily deployed with a flip, sliding effortlessly onto Zero Tolerance’s KVT opening system for what can only be described as an absolutely frictionless and satisfying open through and through. Furthermore, the framelock construction here includes not only hardened steel lockbar inserts, but also complete lockbar stabilization, resulting in you never having to worry about your blade not being secure when it is opened.

Yeah. This one’s a winner, alright.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Made in the USA
• CPM-20CV stainless steel blade for durability
• Corrosion resistant, and wear resistant
• Handle constructed from carbon fiber in front, stonewashed titanium in back
• Reversible deep-carry clip
• 3.5" blade, 4.8" closed length
• 5.5 oz

THE CARBON FIBER COMPOSITE 37G FROM DEEJO

Deejo's super-light pocket knives are an elegant and stylish take on the classic everyday carry tool. This one, named The Composite 37g for its total weight of about 1.31 ounces, features a gray titanium-coated 420 stainless steel blade alongside a combination 420 stainless steel and matte finished carbon fiber handle that absolutely looks as good to the eye as it feels to the hand.

With a secure liner lock and belt clip, there’s just no getting around it. This sleek beauty would be a welcome and handsome addition to any EDC arsenal, yours included.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Titanium-coated 420 stainless steel blade
• Carbon fiber and stainless steel handle
• Matte finish
• Liner lock and belt clip
• Total length 8"
• Blade length 3.75"
• Weighs 1.31oz

37g Knife

$90.00

[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Deejo's super-light pocket knives are an elegant and stylish take on the classic everyday carry tool. This one - named the 37g for its total weight of about 1.31 ounces - features a gray titanium-coated 420 stainless steel blade… read more

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THE CARBON FIBER COMPOSITE BLACK 37G FROM DEEJO

The Deejo Black iteration of The Composite 37g, a truly elegant and stylish take on the brand’s classic super-light everyday carry tool, features a black titanium-coated 420 stainless steel blade alongside a combination 420 stainless steel and matte finished carbon fiber handle that absolutely looks as good to the eye as it feels to the hand.

With a secure liner lock and belt clip, there’s just no getting around it. This sleek, blacked-out beauty would be a welcome and handsome addition to any EDC arsenal.

Get yours before they’ll all gone!

SPECIFICATIONS

• Titanium-coated 420 stainless steel blade
• Carbon fiber and stainless steel handle
• Matte finish
• Liner lock and belt clip
• Total length 8"
• Blade length 3.75"
• Weighs 1.31oz

37g Knife

$90.00

[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] The Deejo Black line of super-light pocket knives is an elegant and stylish take on the classic everyday carry tool. Named the 37g for its total weight - about 1.31 ounces - these knives feature a… read more

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Photo Credit: Randall’s Adventure

THE RAT 1 LINERLOCK KNIFE FROM ONTARIO KNIFE COMPANY

Randall's Adventure Training (RAT) has been designing military-style knives ever since it began conducting survival trainings in the Peruvian jungles. So while this knife may be more suited to the urban jungle than, say, the Amazon, the RAT 1 Linerlock Knife from Ontario Knife Company, with its 3.6” AUS-8 stainless steel blade and Carbon Fiber/G10 laminate handle, has nevertheless become the true standard-bearer of today's EDC folder.

Get this outstanding everyday carry knife for a bargain price that can only be described as highway robbery this second!

SPECIFICATIONS

• AUS-8 stainless steel drop point blade
• Carbon Fiber/G10 Laminate
• Blade length: 3.6”
• Open length: 8.6"
• Liner lock

RAT 1 Linerlock Knife

$49.00

[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] If you've heard of Randall's Adventure Training, you know they've been designing military-style knives as long as they've conducted survival trainings in the Peruvian jungles. While this knife is probably more suited to the urban… read more

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RAT 1 Linerlock Knife

$49.00

[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] If you've heard of Randall's Adventure Training, you know they've been designing military-style knives as long as they've conducted survival trainings in the Peruvian jungles. While this knife is probably more suited to the urban… read more

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THE ELEMENTUM DAMASCUS FLIPPER KNIFE FROM CIVIVI

The folks at Civivi did it this time. They really captured the essentials of everything you'd want to and expect to see in a top quality folding knife at an amazing price.

This version of the Elementum not only features a gorgeous Damascus steel blade with a very high hardness of 59-61 HRC, but also comes equipped with a Carbon Fiber/G10 black handle and a stainless steel pocket clip that is perfectly aligned for tip-up carry.

The rumors are true. The Elementum Damascus Flipper Knife from Civivi may just be the most handy, affordable little pocket knife that you’ll ever own.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Damascus steel blade
• Flipper opening mechanism
• Blade Hardness: 59-61HRC
• Blade Style: Drop Point
• Handle Material: Carbon Fiber / Black G10
• Pocket Clip: Stainless Steel (Tip-Up, Right Carry)
• Blade Length: 2.96" (75.2 mm)
• Closed Length: 4.03" (102.4 mm)
• Overall Length: 6.99" (177.6 mm)

Elementum Damascus Flipper Knife

$105.00

[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] The folks at Civivi captured the essentials of everything you'd expect to see in a top quality folding knife, all at an amazing price.  This version of the Elementum features a gorgeous Damascus steel blade that… read more

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Just some beautiful, sharp, and endlessly stretchable carbon fiber. No big deal.

Photo Credit: Fibreglast.com

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#CARBONFIBER