So, I finally joined the Nightingales and I got a sweet blade from Karliah. Now, since I'm lvl 55, I got the high level blade, but it's bugged and I can't upgrade it. It doesn't show up on my list of upgradable items.

Sorry if that's mentioned before, but I did a forum search and didn't find anything about upgrading the blade.

I'm on pc, so is there some console command where I can manually upgrade the blade? I'm sure that there won't be any bug fixing patches out anytime soon and right now, that blade is pretty much worthless to me as it is. Even though my Daedric blade with 2 enchantments is actually a better weapon, I still would like to use the Nightingale Blade... I like the look!

Yeah, it is a glitch that the top level blade cannot be upgraded. What you can do, since you are on the PC, is give yourself the next lower level blade (still as strong, just a slight less enchant) and you can upgrade that as normal.

so if you're playing on console, how do you avoid this bug/glitch? what is the recommended level to start TG? (recommended in terms of level scaling of gear - not difficulty)

If you're between 36 and 45 when you get awarded the stuff, you'll get the best armor and second best versions of the weapons. If you're 46+, you'll get the glitched sword.

If you want to get the best of both worlds, get the sword and armor at lvl 45, then do the last quest for the bow at 46

alright! sounds good! i'm still at 27 atm and still planning to do Dark Brotherhood then Thieve's Guild. hmm... should i do Winterhold first?

so hey.. i quick question... if i dont invest in any smithing perks (which means i dont really upgrade my gear) does it mean it's really not an issue to have the glitched blade?