First developed in the mid-1950s, modern carbon fiber has long been acclaimed for its impressive strength-to-weight ratio, boasting twice the rigidity of steel while weighing roughly five times less. Coupled with the construction’s hyper-recognizable appearance, these qualities have resulted in both forged and woven versions of the material being used to construct an enormous array of different products — including a plethora of EDC items, from knife handle scales to wallets to watch cases. And while it was once somewhat of a novelty, this once-exotic material has since massively permeated nearly every facet of the EDC segment, giving way to a wealth of impressive daily carry-ready offerings — the latest and greatest of which we’ll be highlighting today in this guide to the best carbon fiber everyday carry essentials.
Olight i3T EOS Flashlight
Powered by a single AAA battery that affords up to 16 hours of runtime, the Olight i3T EOS is a tremendously pocketable everyday carry torch that packs two power modes, a TIR optic lens, a 197’ throw, a maximum output of 180 lumens, a carbon fiber body, and an auxiliary spring-equipped tactical-style tail-switch.
Latercase Cyber Edition iPhone 14 Pro Max Case
Hand-woven by craftsmen using genuine Dupont Kevlar fibers, the Latercase iPhone 14 Pro Max Case Cyber Edition is an incredibly rugged yet lightweight carbon fiber construction smartphone case. Measuring just 0.23” (06.mm) thick, the iPhone case features a durable matte finish, raised camera array protection, wireless charging and MagSafe compatibility, and 360° smooth edges.
Nitecore NB10000 Energy Brick
Boasting enough juice to recharge the latest iPhone 14 Pro Max several times over, the Nitecore NB10000 Energy Brick is an incredibly potent mobile power bank that sports a 10,000-mAh Lithium-ion cell and a hardwearing shell and body composed of carbon fiber reinforced polymer.
Bastion G2 Pen
The Bastion G2 is a premium bolt-action pen that was designed specifically for everyday carry use. Protected by a lifetime warranty, the pen features a carbon fiber body with stainless steel ends and an ultra-smooth steel bolt-action mechanism — a setup that’s incredibly strong while barely being noticeable in weight at only 2.3oz (65 grams).
Keybar Key Organizer
Sold in a branded hinged tin, the Keybar Key Organizer is an up-specced version of a long-time EDC staple that’s been bestowed with a carbon fiber exterior upgrade. Good for storing up to a dozen keys, the carbon fiber KeyBar weighs in at less than 2oz (56.7 grams) and comes outfitted with contrasting bronze-finished hardware and two O-rings that let its carrier adjust the key organizer’s tension.
The Ridge Carbon Fiber Wallet
Offered by itself, or with an optional money clip, an optional cash strap, or both, The Ridge Carbon Fiber Wallet is a minimalistic EDC wallet and card carrier that features an elastic-based self-adjusting system that’s able to neatly house up to a dozen cards. Backed by a lifetime warranty, this wallet sports a scratch-resistant woven 3K carbon fiber exterior with a premium-grade matte finish and RFID protection.
Porsche Design P’3632 Lighter
Measuring 1.5″ x 2.6″ x 0.3”, the Porsche Design P’3632 Lighter is a top-shelf butane torch that sports the Stuttgart automaker’s signature sleek design language and luxurious fit and finish. Made from a combination of stainless steel and carbon fiber, the P’3632 boasts an integrated ignition mechanism and a flat flame port that allows the torch to deliver what looks like a nearly transparent flame.
Victorinox Classic SD Brilliant Carbon Swiss Army Knife
Putting a thoroughly upscale spin on a beloved everyday carry staple, the Victorinox Classic SD Brilliant Carbon Swiss Army Knife sees five tools and functions sandwiched between a set of forged carbon fiber scales. Complementing this top-shelf SAK is an included Victorinox cross and shield charm.
Benchmade 940-1 Osborne Knife
The Benchmade 940-1 Osborne Knife sees the Oregon City outfit deliver a super premium variant of one of its all-time most popular EDC knives. Not only has the Osborne’s sculpted handle setup been upgraded to a rugged yet lightweight carbon fiber construction, but the fan favorite’s 3.40” reverse tango blade is also now composed of ultra-top-shelf CPM S90V steel.
Victorinox I.N.O.X. Carbon Mechanical Watch
Water resistant down to 660’, the Victorinox I.N.O.X. Carbon Mechanical Watch is a sleek Swiss-made timepiece that’s constructed around a lightweight yet rugged 43mm carbon composite case. Keeping the watch ticking is a Sellita SW200 automatic movement with a 38-hour power reserve. The watch also ships with an exclusive Spartan PS knife and a black protective case bumper.
Bonus Pick:
Spyderco Dog Tag Folder
Crafted from a combination of G-10 composite and carbon fiber, the Spyderco Dog Tag Folder is a production knife that’s based on a custom item that was modeled after the size and shape of military dog tags. Utilizing a non-locking slip joint-type mechanism, the handle is mated to a stubby 1.22” sheepsfoot blade composed of CPM S30V steel.
The Complete Guide To Carbon Fiber
Interested in learning a bit more about the history of carbon fiber and what exactly it is? Then be sure to check out our complete guide to carbon fiber for a deep dive into everything you need to know about the material.
