Enchant gauntlets with '+ unarmed damage', and take the perk where heavy armor gauntlets do damage. There you have damage.
Blocking... sorry you don't want to block a sword or an axe with your arm even if you have some armor. Your 'some' armor is likely not as thick as a full shield. That axe is going to split the armor... and your arm.
Blocking... sorry you don't want to block a sword or an axe with your arm even if you have some armor. Your 'some' armor is likely not as thick as a full shield. That axe is going to split the armor... and your arm.
I'm saying your armor can block like a shield with blocking enchantments. It wouldn't be a strong shield. More like hide armor. And you can make your blocking gauntlet stronger through smithing.