I leveled smithing to 100, never leveled enchanting, and leveled alchemy to about 50 but never used it, yet even on master by level 48 my 1H warrior tanks like a beast with legendary orcish armor and daedric mace. My fault.

So my question is, if I do not level smithing, will EXPERT level still be a big challenge at that high a level and higher? I say expert and not master because the only things that challenge me on master are magic enemies, and to be honest, they kill me in about two seconds so it isn;t fun. On expert I think it would be better suited against magic enemies.

So my rules will be no smithing, enchanting, and maybe I can create poisons for boss fights. What do you think?

I also cannot sneak, buy armor or items, or fast travel except using carriages between capitals.

I want a 1H warrior. Suggest a fun build? Will it still be hard at high levels without smithing on expert?

I know you said a 1h warrior, but check out this vid of a level 4 two-handed light-armored warrior killing a giant. I've played nothing but archers so far but this has really inspired me to start a warrior. Amazing that he did this a couple days after the game's release.