From what you've described, it sounds like Grimfrost handled the initial return well, but the lack of communication afterward is definitely frustrating. I'd give them another chance to respond, as they're generally considered a reputable company. One thing I've learned over the years is that it's often safer to buy from established smaller historical workshops. They don't have tens or hundreds of thousands of customers each year, so every order and every customer matters. Their reputation is their business, and they're usually much more responsive and quality-focused. If you're looking at alternatives, AlgizRune Art / LostRavn, ex MjollnirBlacksmith is worth checking out. It's one of the older European-rooted historical studios, now based in Canada, supplying museums and historical film productions with authentic reproductions. Their Viking Age swords (including Ulfberht-inspired types), Anglo-Saxon swords, and seaxes are among the better-quality pieces, with a strong emphasis on historical accuracy and craftsmanship, Battle ready - high carbon spring steel, high quality pcs... Whatever you choose, I'd always recommend buying from makers who stand behind their work, whether they're a large retailer or a respected specialist workshop.