The 5405 uses CPM-MagnaCut heat-treated to 60-63 HRC. MagnaCut was developed by Crucible Industries to deliver M390-level edge retention and wear resistance while achieving corrosion resistance that rivals steels built specifically for that purpose. At 60-63 HRC in a high flat grind at 0.125 inches thick, it is one of the more aggressively performance-oriented blade configurations in the Malibu lineup.

Both the 5405 and the 5403-GREEN use CPM-MagnaCut reverse tanto blades in the same Malibu platform at the same overall dimensions and weight. The differences are handle finish and blade finish. The 5405 has a textured black anodized 7075 handle with a stonewash blade — textured grip, darker overall profile. The 5403-GREEN has a smooth green anodized 7075 handle with a DLC black blade — smooth profile, distinctive colorway, additional DLC surface hardness on the blade. The 5405 prioritizes grip traction; the 5403-GREEN prioritizes aesthetics and DLC blade performance.

A high flat grind starts the bevel higher on the blade — closer to the spine — than a standard flat grind, which produces a longer, more aggressive bevel angle and a thinner blade cross-section behind the edge for a given blade thickness. The result is a more slicing-optimized edge geometry that cuts more aggressively through food, cord, and soft materials than a standard flat grind of the same thickness. On the Malibu 5405 at 0.125 inches thick, the high flat grind maximizes cutting performance across the 3.25-inch reverse tanto edge length.

No. The Malibu 5405 is a manual flipper — it deploys via a flipper tab on the blade spine with no spring or coil mechanism. It is legal in all US jurisdictions where folding knives are permitted and in most international destinations where automatic knives would be prohibited. No compliance form is required at checkout. The button lock provides the same positive lockup found on Pro-Tech's automatic lineup.

7075 aluminum alloy has significantly higher tensile strength and fatigue resistance than the 6061 alloy used on most production knife handles. This matters most at stress concentration points — pivot holes, clip screw holes, and the areas around fasteners that experience repeated loading over the knife's service life. Pro-Tech machines the Malibu handle from 7075 specifically for its structural properties, then anodizes and textures the surface. The textured finish on the 5405 adds grip without compromising the dimensional precision of the machined 7075 frame.

The Malibu 5405 measures 7.50 inches overall when open with a 3.25-inch blade at 0.125 inches thick. Closed length is 4.25 inches and handle thickness is 0.48 inches. It weighs 2.99 oz. The tip-up right-hand clip is included for pocket carry.