hey,

I'm going to do a Bare Handed play through and I was wondering what perks to get. I know the "Fist of Steel" (or something) perk in the Heavy Armor tree. But what else should I get?
I'm playing as a Khajiit (obviously).

Well all of the Heavy Armor perks kind of synergize with Fist of Steel. Damage is taken from the base armor rating of your gauntlets only, so smithing them won't help any. However increasing your entire armor rating by 25% because you're wearing all heavy armor will affect the gauntlets.

Also head down to the ratway under Riften as soon as you can. There's a pair of gloves enchanted with Fortify Unarmed on a bandit down there. Very useful to use before you get Fist of Steel and to disenchant afterwards so you can use it on other gauntlets.

Visit Riften, get access to the Rat Ways and find Gian the Fist. He is wearing special boxing gloves that add 10% damage to your hand skills. It could give you that extra power. On the other hand, he is a tough fellow. There is oil nearby, however. With some magic you can trap him.

I have actually tried to combine hand to hand with magic, and it works well. Obviously with magic.

It's +10 damage straight up, not 10%.

Ah yes! Thank you.

And they are called the Gloves of the Pugilist.