Where can I find decent Chinese swords these days?

I am trying to figure this question out for myself! So far, I can recommend Kult of Athena, with whom I had a positive experience (2 swords, both quality exceeding the pricepoint). While on the topic, might as well share two instances that made me a bit uneasy about the respective merchants. Ones I might choose to avoid…

First, there was WLE. I bought a sword from them a while back, which turned out to be over-hyped by their ad. Ok, two years went by and I was going to give them another shot. Since some of their swords were labeled “high carbon stainless steel”, I called them to find out exactly what such material was (a point clarified by Timo since). I explained that I wanted a high-carbon sword and was not interested in stainless steel. I was asked to call back when the owner was there. No problem! Now, for me, here’s the dilemma: the very next day after I expressed my strong dislike of stainless steel swords, all of the website descriptions were changed to “high-carbon corrosion resistant steel”. Do I trust or want to support a seller who obviously manipulates the product description based on customer feedback? Am I reading too much into this?

And then there was Zhisword. I am looking for a decent Tong4 gim3, so contacted Zhisword for some details on one of their products. Our correspondence ended with the following exchange (for the sake of space, I am omitting the earlier emails regarding sword details, shipping, etc.):

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Hello,

Did you mean the folded steel blade with clay tempered
Also the folded steel made of medium carbon steel and iron. It is the steel-making process. Also contain other element.

Regards,
Alan
ZhiSword Forge
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Hi,

Yes, the folded steel blade with clay tempered process. I assume it is high-carbon, and wanted to know what type (e.g. 1065, 1095, etc.).

Thanks,

Kamil
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Hello,

it is 1045 medium carbon steel.
high carbon steel is too stiff to be folded.

Thank you

Alan
ZhiSword Forge
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Hi,

Really??? I own several mixed high-carbon, one 1065, and one 1095, all are hand-folded pattern steel. First time ever I hear something like this. Are we talking about the same thing?

Thanks,

Kamil
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Hello,

Right,it is wrong, high carbon content steel is too stiff to be folded. Usually it is used for inner side for 3-sided construction
Thank you!~
- zhisword
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High-carbon steel can’t be folded?!?!?! This is news to me! Is there a more accurate explanation or is Alan smoking some good stuff? So far, this exchange makes me quite uncomfortable dealing with Zhisword... Am I possibly missing something that would explain this statement? (Please excuse my incompetence on this subject…)

Sinosword make good blades.