Blightzkrieg posted...
So are later weapons significantly stronger than the beginner ones? Or once they're all upgraded is it basically the same?
Damage-wise the differences aren't super large between weapons in the same class so I recommend finding a weapon with an Ash of War that feels good to use. Weapons that can be upgraded with regular smithing stones can have their Ash of War and affinity customized. Somber smithing stone weapons are locked in place. Bloodhound's Fang is a somber weapon you can find in Limgrave and its Ash of War has carried me through the entire game