I know a lot of the guys in my area who practice with rebated steel weapons appreciate the value in the Hanwei swords for their price, albeit they do take some maintenance down the long road. They also really like Baltimore Knife and Sword - BKS on kultofathena - for their utmost durability. BKS are built like tanks, sound amazing, and look great too, but they are heavy. They are my preferred blade for rebated combat, and they do offer lighter ones now, although I haven't personally been able to work with one of those yet. Yet.
As for live steel, I definitely have to agree with Lord Dane, Albion and Arms and Armour are the best, I've handled a couple of each. I haven't had the privilege yet to work with a Darksword, but for their price, it's realistically going to be my go-to cutting sword. I also enjoy a bit heavier of a weapon anyway.
Try to handle as many as you can before making a purchase, unless one just screams at you begging for purchase. That's how I always work with them, and I always, always try to handle one like the one I'm purchasing before buying, that way I know if I like it or not. It's amazing what one inch farther down of balance or point of percussion can do, same with a slightly smaller grip or different pommel.
However, if there is a weapon I enjoy, because of it's style or presence, and it literally haunts me while I try to come up with reasons not to get it, after purchase I always feel good about it. They may have their inherent issues, I know I have a couple right now that do, but I look at it more like their personality or quirks rather than problems, and still appreciate them. Usually it is those that become my favorites.
For example, I also do Cowboy Action Shooting and am a gun collector. My two favorite guns however, I haven't been able to shoot yet. They just have their little quirks to work out. One needs it's arbor realigned, another needs to be properly tuned as it has a massive weight on the hammer pull. It's okay though, they're still my favorites over my shooters.
It all comes down to what you will enjoy, and what reasons you're looking to purchase the weapon for. Just stay away from rat-tangs, you can spot those sometimes based on the sound when you thwack the hilt or pommel, and the stainless ones. Beyond that, it's all a matter of taste.
I just like most of my weapons as it turns out much like my coffee: thick, mean, and strong. You may prefer more of a cappuccino.
