I have a bit of Vanadis 4E on a Rasul. Seems pretty indestructible, so I'll vote for that
Does stain/rust/patinate as mimozine says.
Rasul is Vanadis 23, similar to M3 high-speed tool steel. Vanadis 23 is a harder steel, while Vanadis 4 is stronger. So yes Vanadis 4 is similar to CPM 3V / 4V.
Any recommendations? I know the steels are similar.
I would choose vanadis 4, if I was going to choose between those two
If you wanted to possibly go away from the Malanika chopper, I would go CPM 3V, more of it out there so more choice in design, and as it is not quite as exotic as other highend steels, it is not as expensive.
As for design, I really like the Bark River Canadian camp 2, fits my idea of the perfect large camp knife, before you start getting into machete territory.
The Bark River Knives: Canadian Camp Knife II - CPM 3V - Black Canvas Micarta - Matte IN STOCK at Knives Ship Free. All Bark River Knives are backed by a strict no-questions-asked lifetime warranty.
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