Carbon nanofibers were deposited on silicon oxide substrate by thermal chemical vapor deposition method. For the enhancement of the characteristics of carbon nanofibers, the source gases ($C_2H_2,;H_2$) flows were intentionally manipulated as the cyclic on/off modulation of $C_2H_2$ flow. By the cyclic modulation process during the initial deposition stage, the formation density of carbon nanofibers on the substrate could be much more enhanced. The diameter of as-grown carbon nanofibers was also reduced by the cyclic modulation process. The cause for the variation in the characteristics of carbon nanofibers by the cyclic modulation process was discussed in association with the hydrogen gas etching ability.