Not sure how appropriate this thread is anymore with the return of UC, so this may be my final report.
I now have bought FOUR Anduril knock-offs, and TWO Strider ranger swords just to attain the quality I desired. I would have been better off going with UC to begin with.
At any rate, there is a DISTINCT quality difference in these knock-offs. The best swords were the ones that have "440 Stainless Made In China" engraved into the base of the blade. In my estimation the are most likely as good as the UC.
The rest that I bought are worse than if you yourself took a silicon mold and re-cast a sword with white-metal or pewter. They're awful, and would not meet the standards of any self-respecting RPF member.
Here is my eBay seller summary in order of best to worst:
Topicool (business): About $70 - $80. Outstanding. If you pay with a credit card or Paypal, expect a long box on your door tomorrow or the next day. Blistering fast shipping, automated on-line purchase, smooth as silk. The swords are of the significantly higher quality. Mine had a few small nicks; of the caliber that I am asking myself if it is worth the hassle of returning.
Venti (private seller, I believe): About $70 - $80. Same high-quality sword as above; had a communication glitch that he and I agreed was an unusual and one-off situation; otherwise steller service
2310 (business): $35 - $55. Acceptable service but swords of the worst possible swords; lumpy cast hilts, bent, wobbly, and wavy blades
ran77nh: Questionable service, slow shipping, pretty poor quality sword
