Unique to the Navaja is the Carraca or ratcheting sound it produces when the blade opens and closes. Carraca ratcheting generates a reaction similar to the sound of chambering a round in a firearm, distinctively announcing the knife's presence and has been attributed to deterring a criminal or criminal behavior.

American Knifemaker Ed Schempp built a reputation on comingling Ethnic cutlery with the modern folder. His Spyderco Navaja collaboration incorporates the mystique of the Carraca with a traditional-shaped handle made with textured carbon fiber/G-10 laminate and stainless steel bolsters. The blade is Crucible Steel CPM S30V with the customary Navaja concave blade shape.

Inside the handle is a Michael Walker LinerLock with a textured liner. Outside the handle is an hourglass pocket clip with four-way compatible positioning, enabling the knife to be carried and drawn from the pocket tip-up/tip-down and/or left/right handed. The Spyderco Navaja showcases a form of historical and cultural cutlery made using modern materials and design engineering.