There are a lot of "best looking/worst looking" weapon threads, so I decided to make this one to see what you think are the most effective and functional weapons.

Windshear. It's a Scimitar. A curved sword. Curved. Sword.
It Staggers your opponent every time you hit.
It has 30% chance of paralysis every time you bash.

Hunting bow. Does what it says on the tin. Higher damage bows get lower rate of fire as a trade-off.

Melee at low levels, get Forsworn or a curved sword, or do MQ until a katana is available. Should remain effective for a while.

Want functional? Imperial sword, looks like something you could happily use without a fabulously spiky and asymmetrical haircut.

Ebony Blade...

after its powered up of course.

The physical damage might be a little in the lacking department.... but later in the game (on expert difficulty) everything blocks.

Block block block block block.

Ebony blade steals life regardless of block. Attacks on enemy that damage through block AND heal you?

Yes pls.