I'm not entirely sure if this is a bug, or if this is how it's supposed to be.

But I've noticed there is quite a few items I'm unable to improve through blacksmithing. I have got Arcane Blacksmith and the perks required for the type of shield/armor.
For instance I recently acquired "Shield of Solitude". Which would best my shield if improved, as it only lacks 3 armor points to my improved current shield. However it doesn't even show up on the menu of items available to improve at all. As I stated before, I've got the perks required for everything up to ebony, and I'm sure this shield doesn't go as anything higher then that, and I do have Arcane Blacksmithing to improve enchanted items. As this shield gives an increase in magic resistance by 15% and an increased block ratio by 20%.

So what's preventing me from improving it?

doh, I'm dumb -- re-read your post.

I've ran into a problem with enchanting that doesn't allow me to rename the item even after completing all of the fields but it only happens after I've enhanced something. I think there are just some bugs to the system. I guess this is obvious, but you do have the right ingots for the job, yeah?

I think that all unique items (and I mean UNIQUE, not just Unique Variants) cannot be improved due to the fact that they're not made of a defined material that would you use to improve. Interestingly enough, however, is that the Dragon Priest's masks all appear to be improvable.

Perhaps so, though it is a shame. Only thing I can can think of now then is improving my enchanting, disenchanting the item for the enchant and reapplying it on an item which is unprovable. For now I believe the item is stronger then the alternative but always a shame to lose armor when switching 'up'.
Have exactly the same problem for Masque of Clavicus, though Dragonbane could be improved using quicksilver, I suppose Dragonbane was something I've looted at some point though and maybe not unique - unique.

And yes, I do have some of pretty much all ingots, and besides, if not it should only be greyed out, but still showing on the list.


Thank you for quick replies though.