I know this has probably been posted before but i cant find it. All i want to know is does blocking(level-ups and perks) apply to blocking with a 1H weapon. I am wanting to know as i am using a char who RP's as someone who doesnt use shields and is a starting out adventurer who just owns a sword so....

as long as the perk doesn't mention a shield (such as most of the left side of the tree) then it should transfer to 1h just fine

This. But you're better off just equipping a shield.

I can understand why he'd not, RPing a swordmaster may mean that it would be more satisfying to play without a shield or dual weapon, not to mention the quick reflexes perk fits perfectly along with disarming, in short I think it sounds fun!

Every weapon in the game blocks at the same level, this scales up with increasing block skill, at 100 block iirc the damage reduction is 60%, for an iron dagger or daedric warhammer.

Not bad considering a daedric shield at block level 100 grants 63% damage reduction.

Weapons bash for more damage than shields as well, daedric warhammers power bash for 100+ damage with the perks.

Although the deflect arrows perk and the elemental protection perk don't affect 1h or 2h weapons, the next perk for increased movement speed does affect weapons, allowing running speed whilst blocking.