wondering if anyone has experience dealing with the following sword makers for blunt historical replicas. I am in the market for a broadsword for SCA cut & Thrust (historical re-enactment), and am wondering what kind of stuff you guys would recommend for Early period 1500's-1600's Basket Hilted swords? I am looking at a budget of around 400-700 US dollars.

Armourclass
Castille
Darkwood
Darksword

Are you looking for baskethilts only?

Stay away from Darksword - far, far away.

Darkwood is one of the staples of the HEMA and stage combat community. I have a couple of their rapiers and like them both.

Castille is gaining favor with these groups. I have one of their Venetian Arming swords - it looks a bit weird, but I like the blade. One of the knocks on them is that the hilts have a 3D printed look that just doesn't look quite right.

Armourclass - Some people say their blades are whippy. Also the hilts may be a big bigger than the originals

If you are looking for a medieval cruciform hilted sword, go with an Albion Maestro.

I would echo Scott on staying away from Darksword. They have a questionable reputation for honesty at the least.

However, I would say I have been very pleased with the hilts I've seen from Armourclass. I don't know anything about their blunt blades, but while many makers have trouble creating basket of historical proportions, I would say AC is better than most non-customs I have seen.

http://armbladesmith.webplus.net/index.html

also worth a look-call,
stellar gent,

Armour Class do some nice stuff at the price point, very nice at the higher price,
the whippy blade I thought was mentioned about sharps ? the few ren swords I've seen in hand were excellent for the price, they have a very good rep over here,
only issue i'd heard was they were softer blades than a couple of other makers wares, whose blades tended to chew theirs a little, but this was mentioned under heavy use,

i'd happily have a few of the pieces I've seen from them,
if your having a sword sent over as opposed to going through KOA there are a few more to look at wait dependant etc,

For basket-hilts, Darkwood and Armour Class would be the best on your list. Both have baskets that are oversized or oddly shaped in my experience, but at your price point, that's your best bet.