The fine carbon fiber obtained by pulverizing vapor grown fine carbon fiber, each fiber including a hollow space extending along its axis, and having an outer diameter of 1 to 1,000 nm, an aspect ratio of 5 to 1,000, and a BET specific surface area of 2 to 2,000 m2/g, wherein the average interlayer distance (d002) is 0.345 nm or less, and the ratio of the peak height (Id) of the band (e.g. 1,341 to 1,349 cm−1) in a Raman scattering spectrum to that of the peak height (Ig) of the band (e.g. 1,570 to 1,578 cm−1) (Id/Ig) is 0.1 to 2, a bending angle of 30° or less with respect to the axis; a composite material comprising the fine carbon fiber and a resin serving as a matrix, wherein the fine carbon fiber is oriented in one direction through, application of an external force; and a production method and use thereof. The linear fine carbon fiber of the present invention exhibits excellent dispersibility in a matrix and is readily oriented by application of an external force, and therefore, enables to produce a composite material, wherein merely the carbon fiber is or both the fine carbon fiber and the matrix resin are oriented in one direction.