The Golden Oriole is a nice sword if you like the mounting and the long tsuka [handle]. The current production has the grooved blade, earlier models had a non-grooved blade that was a little heavier.
You can shop around for the best price, but be sure that the dealer will take a return if the sword he sends you turns out to be a lemon...it's not unknown for defective swords to get into the sales channel, and it's more likely the lower the price. It's worth the extra money to buy from a reputable dealer.
David Anderson
Calgary, Alberta
"Swords are the rosary of Aikido"
D. H. Skoyles Sensei 04/03/01
Nakayamakai KoAikido dojo