In recent discussions, the spotlight has been on the Fang, hailed as the Best in Slot (BIS) in nearly all melee scenarios. This acclaim has brought attention to the Blade of Saeldor, prompting queries about its seemingly lackluster performance in comparison. Despite the Blade's formidable stats, with an 89 boost for strength and 94 for slash, it pales in comparison to the Fang, especially considering the substantial price difference. The Blade of Saeldor commands an almost fourfold cost compared to the Fang, with a default price of 1.1 million and an actively traded price soaring to 2.6 million OSRS Gold on the Grand Exchange.

The question that looms is whether the Blade of Saeldor's underwhelming stature is justified. While acknowledging the necessity of the Fang's recent nerf, one cannot help but wonder why the Blade of Saeldor, lacking a passive effect and requiring charging (unless corrupted), fails to rise to the occasion. Is there a rationale behind the Blade's perceived inferiority, or is it a matter of oversight in its design and utility?

One theory speculates that the Blade of Saeldor's scarcity on the Grand Exchange is due to the demanding 61 Smithing requirement for its creation. Crafting such a weapon necessitates a specific skill set and resources, limiting the number of players capable of undertaking this endeavor. The argument extends further, contending that crafting more than one Blade of Saeldor is impractical, as a single instance should ideally suffice for personal use. The uniqueness of the Blade as the best tradeable axe on the GE also contributes to its heightened demand, further exacerbating its scarcity.

However, the issue at hand appears to extend beyond the mechanics of supply and demand. The Blade of Saeldor, lacking a passive effect and demanding a premium price, raises questions about its comparative utility. To justify its cost, some players propose the introduction of a passive effect when worn with a full crystal set. This addition, they argue, would provide a compelling reason for players to opt for the Blade of Saeldor and the crystal set combination.

The discussion also touches upon the power dynamics within the game. While some players express contentment with the current power levels of the weapons, others contend that the prices, not the stats, are the primary concern. They suggest that a modest boost in stats, such as +6 Attack and +4 Strength, might bridge the gap without causing imbalance. However, they concede that the fundamental issue lies in the exorbitant prices of these weapons, which outweigh the perceived value of the upgrades they offer.

Another viewpoint considers the relationship between prices and rarity. The argument posits that the prices of these weapons, including the Blade of Saeldor, are intrinsically tied to their rarity. While acknowledging that rarity is a factor, it challenges the notion that rarity alone should dictate the pricing hierarchy. Instead, it proposes a reevaluation of the pricing structure, asserting that certain items, like the Fang, are undervalued considering their frequency.

A counterargument suggests that rather than buffing weapons to match their prices, the focus should be on addressing the issue of certain items, like the Fang, being too common and consequently undervalued. The concern centers around the potential long-term repercussions of allowing T82 weapons, like the Fang, to remain at a low price point. This perspective emphasizes the importance of maintaining a significant gap between T70 and T80+ weapons for a balanced game progression.

In conclusion, the conundrum surrounding the Blade of Saeldor brings to light a multifaceted debate within the OSRS community. While considerations of supply and demand, utility, and pricing dynamics are central to the discourse, finding a balanced resolution requires a nuanced understanding of the intricate relationships at play. Whether the solution lies in adjusting stats, introducing passive effects, or reevaluating pricing structures remains a subject of ongoing deliberation among players and developers alike.