Who is the most recommended smith for a custom piece? My idea should be easy to do as it's not based off a historical item.

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It really depends on the project and what you can afford.

*What I wrote later isn't really applicable to this project at all, was from a different thread.*

I might suggest Lonely Wolf Forge; he's in the right price range and does good work on rough-and-tough pieces just like this. (I'm the current owner of this blade and love it to pieces.)

I'd say that the Miller Brothers products are right up your alley. My good friend was considering purchasing a knife from them, but I think he wound up not getting it (I originally typed that he did, but I think he went another route for a different sort of project - my apologies). Still, their products look great and the videos of the blades being tested seems a good testament of their quality!

www.millerbrosblades.com/

-Gregory

Some good options mentioned,
hadn't seen the Miller bros ones, cool stuff,
But,
to me your pic looks just like one of the cold steel or windlass gladius type patterns pictured over at kult of Athena,
cant remember the actual one, cobra line or some such, or tak line or similer,
also your description, if A trims were more available, that might be a top option, as would Tinker,
let us know what you get in the end,
there are a few makers out your way,
worth a search ;)

I think that Scorpion Swords might be able to do that for you. The make a lot of things that are in that universe.

You might find something here.
http://www.zombietools.net/

Check out the guys at dragon's breath forge, they are based in Connecticut. my fiancé commissioned them to make a very nice custom piece for me last year and they did a great job. They definately make similar swords in your price range and aren't afraid to do new things with steel. Three of the smiths also competed in Forged in Fire and did very well- see the katana, crusader sword and Gladius episodes if you want to see them in action.

I'll throw in another recommendation for Lonely Wolf. He just finished up a seax for me and was great to work with. He provided constant updates and was clear and concise in communication at all times. Also very timely and excellently priced. +1 to him.

Zombietools or Baltimore Knife and Sword could make this design pretty easily for around the $3-500 mark. The latter would probably be more interested in taking up your custom project and in my opinion make a better product. I've dealt with dozens of BKS products and every one has been bulletproof.