DeWalt 3-1/2 in. Folding Knife with Carbon Fiber Handle

A carbon-fiber jobsite folder that leans practical

I’ve been carrying this DeWalt folding knife for a few weeks on light-duty jobsite days and around the house. It’s a straightforward utility folder: 3.5-inch drop-point blade in 8Cr13MoV steel, partially serrated, liner lock, and a carbon-fiber/composite handle meant to keep weight down without feeling flimsy. Nothing flashy here—just a working knife aimed at everyday cutting tasks.

Build and ergonomics

The handle uses a bi-material construction with a carbon-fiber/composite scale. It doesn’t feel like thick, full-layer carbon fiber; it’s more of a lightweight overlay on a rigid base. That’s not a knock—rigidity is solid, and there’s no hollow flex when you squeeze. The contouring is modest, with enough rounding on the edges that I didn’t get hot spots during a morning of breaking down boxes and trimming plastic edging. The handle length (4.5 inches) fits a full hand comfortably; with gloves, I still had a confident purchase.

The balance point sits just behind the pivot, which makes the blade feel a touch lighter in hand than the listed numbers suggest. That said, at around 0.4 lb (200 g), this is not an ultralight pocket carry. Compared to slim EDC knives of the same blade length, it’s noticeably heavier in the pocket. Compared to all-steel jobsite folders, it’s comparable or a hair lighter. If you like a bit of heft that translates to stability in cuts, you’ll appreciate it. If you prioritize minimal pocket weight, it may not be your first pick.

Fit and finish on my sample were clean. The blade centered well when closed and locked up without wiggle. The black blade coating arrived even and unblemished, with the predictable wear marks showing up along the grind after a day of cutting cardboard and pallet wrap.

Blade steel and grind performance

The blade is 8Cr13MoV, a ubiquitous budget-friendly stainless. It tends to be:

• Easy to sharpen
• Adequately corrosion resistant for daily carry (with basic care)
• Moderate in edge retention (not a long-distance champion)

That’s consistent with my use. Out of the package, the edge was properly apexed and shaving-sharp. After a week of typical tasks—cardboard, nylon straps, light wood trimming, and some rope—the plain edge lost its initial bite but still cut cleanly. Ten minutes on a medium ceramic rod followed by a strop brought it back to form. The steel is forgiving; even a novice sharpener can get a respectable edge quickly.

The drop-point profile with a modest belly works well for general utility. Tip control is good for scoring drywall paper or opening tape seams without diving into contents. The stock thickness is jobsite-appropriate rather than slicey-pocket-knife thin, so you trade a bit of sheer slicing aggression for durability. For most daily cuts, that’s a fair compromise.

About those serrations

This blade includes a partially serrated section near the heel. Serrations earn their keep on fibrous materials—nylon rope, plastic pallet strapping, garden hose, and zip ties. They bite immediately and continue to cut even as the plain edge dulls. On the flip side, serrations aren’t ideal for push cuts or clean slicing through things like shrink wrap and food wrappers; they can snag and leave a rougher edge.

Maintenance is the other trade-off. Serrations take longer to sharpen. A tapered rod or a triangular ceramic is the right tool, and it’s best to sharpen each gullet individually. If your routine is heavy on rope and straps, you’ll appreciate the mixed edge. If you mostly slice cardboard and do precise trimming, a full plain edge would be cleaner and easier to maintain. With this knife, you’re locked into the combo edge, so consider your use case before committing.

Lock, action, and safety

The liner lock engages solidly with a positive click. I didn’t experience any lock stick, and disengagement stayed easy with bare hands and with light gloves. Spine pressure and moderate twisting didn’t induce movement. As always with liner locks, keep your fingers off the lock bar during hard cuts to avoid accidental disengagement.

The knife opens one-handed reliably. Out of the box, the action was a bit dry. A drop of light oil at the pivot and a few dozen cycles smoothed it out noticeably. It’s not a fidget toy; it’s a controlled, workmanlike action that benefits from a deliberate thumb and consistent angle. There’s no assist to fight or rely on, which I prefer for maintenance and longevity.

A quick safety note: this is a cutting tool, not a prying tool. The geometry and lock are suited to slicing and light utility, not levering. Using any folding knife to pry (doors, lids, stuck fixtures) risks bending the pivot, damaging the lock, or snapping the tip.

In-pocket and on the job

Closed, the knife is compact enough that it doesn’t monopolize pocket space. The profile is about 1.4 inches wide and under an inch thick, so it sits flat and doesn’t become a brick. The weight is the only part you’ll notice over a long day. In return, you get a knife that feels planted when you bear down on cuts.

On the job, it handled:

• Cutting rope and plastic strapping: Serrations made short work without slipping.
• Box duty: The plain edge zipped through cardboard; the coating did scuff at the bevel, as expected.
• Trimming shims and light wood: Controlled cuts without chatter.
• Scoring drywall paper: Adequate tip control; minimal wander.
• Zip ties and garden hose: Serrations shined again, especially with older, slick zip ties.

It’s a generalist’s tool. You can press it into most common tasks without babysitting it.

Maintenance and longevity

• Edge care: 8Cr13MoV responds well to simple tools. A medium stone or ceramic rod and a leather strop will keep the plain edge humming. For serrations, use a tapered rod and work each gullet; focus on the backside burr removal with a few light passes.
• Corrosion: The black coating helps early on, but edges and wear points are still steel. Wipe the blade dry after wet or acidic cuts. A light film of oil after cleaning goes a long way.
• Action: A drop of light oil at the pivot every few weeks keeps things smooth. Check and snug body screws periodically if you’re hard on your gear.
• Warranty: DeWalt backs it with a limited lifetime warranty, and many retailers give you a 90-day return window. That’s reassuring for a tool you’ll actually use.

Durability feels appropriate for the category. There’s no play at the pivot after use, the lockup hasn’t migrated, and the handle material shows minimal scuffing. Expect the black blade finish to exhibit normal wear; coatings are sacrificial on cutting tools.

What I’d change

• Offer a full plain-edge option. A lot of users prefer the ease of maintenance and cleaner cuts.
• Trim weight if possible. The carbon-fiber/composite handle suggests lightness, but the overall package is still on the heavier side for a 3.5-inch folder.
• Slightly thinner edge behind the bevel would improve slicing through dense cardboard and plastic without sacrificing much strength.

None of these are deal-breakers, but they’d push the knife further toward a best-in-class jobsite EDC.

Who it’s for

• Tradespeople and DIYers who want a straightforward, sturdy folder for mixed materials.
• Anyone who regularly cuts rope, straps, or other fibrous stuff where serrations earn their keep.
• Users who value easy sharpening and predictable behavior over maximum edge retention.

Who might look elsewhere: ultralight EDC enthusiasts, folks who dislike combo edges, or those who want premium steel and a thinner slicer for food prep and precision tasks.

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt folding knife as a practical, work-oriented folder with honest strengths: a comfortable handle, reliable liner lock, useful serrations for jobsite materials, and a steel that’s easy to keep sharp. It isn’t fancy and it isn’t featherweight, but it cuts what it’s supposed to cut, holds up to typical daily use, and is simple to maintain. If you prefer a full plain edge or you want an ultralight carry, you’ll want to look for a different variant or another model. For everyone else who needs a dependable cutter with a mixed edge and a sturdy build, this is a solid, no-drama choice.