They are sometimes available for purchase at events, or you might find someone who could make you one. You can even make a riveted plate basket hilt yourself. It's a good way to learn the metal-working skills you'll need for more advanced armoring projects. Many people have patterns for this kind of hilt. Making a basket hilt out of welded steel rod is obviously a more advanced project requiring access to and experience using welding equipment.
Welded hilts tend to be much heavier than sheet steel ones, but much less prone to denting.
Just the same, when a welded rod hilt needs repair, it usually means rewelding something. The only repair I've ever had to do to a sheet metal hilt has been to put it over a ball stake once every year or two and remove the dents. A few minutes' work, at worst. 14 guage will dent less, but will be noticably heavier. I've also seen Kydex or steel cuffs laced onto basket hilts.