Laminated Carbon Fiber Blade Pros/Cons

[cm_bushman]

I've noticed a few knives laminating Carbon Fiber over hard steels like s90v and s110v, or using it as a spine material with these steels in the edge. Besides the weight reduction, (and looks), are there benefits to this practice from a practical, user's standpoint? I understand that carbon fiber is very stiff, and it is used to tension some very high-end rifle barrels, but it would seem that the carbon fiber overall would be a step in the opposite direction of the hard edge/tough laminate method I've always seen in practice on knife blades. It would also lead me to believe the fibers cannot be as well-bonded to the steel as a second pattern-welded steel would be. Then again, I doubt it would matter either way in a folding knife.

 

[CWL]

Aside from the gimmick factor, I don't see much benefit. Ever tried using those plastic knives you get in fast food restaurants? Something being too light can be a problem.

Carbon fiber is similar to sheets of silk cloth. The "stiff" you are talking about is from the clear plastic that it must be embedded into in order to hold its shape.

Carbon fiber isn't very durable against wear and will break and chip when subjected to friction.