I also collect swords and have 37 made of functional high carbon steel.
If your looking for cheap and want something you can actualy jump into battle with get one from Paul Chen. I have 9 of his swords and you can cut down trees with them.
I have 7 swords from Cold Steel which seem to hold an edge better then any.
Here is some good reading
http://www.sword-manufacturers-guide...ei-swords.html