Hey, Bro...
In answer to your question, I've met and talked with the Burgers, and find their products to be finely made and of high quality.
In the world of swordcanes, there are practically NO makers turning out any product worth its salt with any regularity--the Burgers are one of the few that do. Others will make the odd one-off, but I'm not aware of anyone else with a real product line.
The fit and finish on their work is top-notch, and their push-button system is pretty slick. I used to work with a fellow who made friction-fit swordcanes, so I'm a little partial to that type of craftsmanship, but still, theirs is a good system, too. The only downside to the push-button secure on the shaft is that it tends to be very noticeable, which could lead to problems with Johnny Law.
As has been noted, these things are VERY illegal, most everywhere in America, so it's up to you to make the decision. I've carried various types and styles of swordcanes for years, on and off, in situations varying from Renaissance Faires (one of the few places that you might be able to get away with it), to my wedding. It's my feeling, much as with a CCW, that if no one sees it, then no foul. However, if it came to a need situation, I'll take judgement by twelve, any day, over transit by six.
Oddly enough, the model that I favour most is the cheapest of the models, which comes equipped with a stiletto-like blade, meant solely for thrusting. I find that very few swordcanes offer enough grip to use for slashing, anyway. I've yet to play with their carbon-fibre models, but I'd guess that it would work very well for various cane techniques, as well as giving you the same ability as the standard shafts for parrying, once the blade is drawn.
My two coppers.
