Maxamet is an extremely hard, high-speed powdered tool steel possessing properties that transcend conventional high-speed tool steels and approach those of cemented carbides—the ultra-hard materials used to machine other steels. When Carpenter developed this amazing alloy for the rollers in their steel mills, they sent samples to various companies in the knife industry to evaluate as a blade material. Although many tried, Spyderco was one of only a handful of companies to successfully develop the specialized methods necessary to machine, heat treat, and grind this demanding material to yield reliable, high-performance knife blades. 

This knife's full-flat-ground PlainEdge™ blade takes full advantage of Maxamet's properties, offering a superior combination of strength, low-friction cutting performance, edge retention, and point utility. It is paired with a lightweight, gray, injection-molded fiberglass-reinforced-nylon (FRN) handle that features Bi-Directional Texturing™ for an exceptionally positive grip. The Native 5’s highly evolved back lock mechanism locks the blade securely in the open position and, together with the blade’s Trademark Round Hole™ and the handle’s versatile four-position pocket clip, make both the carry and operation of this extraordinary knife completely ambidextrous.