The Best One-Handed Weapons In Skyrim

Summary

• Skyrim remains a fan favorite for its engaging gameplay and rich graphics that meld the best of Oblivion and Morrowind.
• Players always anticipate the endgame in Skyrim with the plethora of mods and exclusive content available for exploration.
• The powerful melee builds in Skyrim, including unique weapons like the Dragonbone Dagger and Bloodthorn, offer diverse combat options.

Fans of Bethesda’s The Elder Scrolls series regard Skyrim as one of the most engaging in the franchise. This entry in the series fleshes out Oblivion‘s graphics with a dash of Morrowind‘s combat ingenuity. Players always look forward to the endgame whenever they make their characters.

Updated on March 23, 2025 by Rhenn Taguiam: With hints pointing at Hammerfell as the next destination of the upcoming The Elder Scrolls 6, fans who are eagerly anticipating their arrival in the Redguards’ capital region might want to reacquaint themselves with the dragons of Skyrim – especially for players who want to relive the feeling on taking on dragons by themselves without the help of other warriors in The Elder Scrolls Online. Thankfully, players who prefer donning shields or Magicka on their off-hand would be able to use some of the game’s best One-Handed Weapons in their journey, among which ideal starter options include item variants made from a cousin subset of the Daedra, a Dwarven relic, and even a weapon used by Redguard spies.

42

Remnant Scimitar

Damage: 12

When players get the Redguard Elite Armaments Creation in Skyrim, they have a chance to get the Remnant Scimitar – the signature weapon of a Remnant Warrior. They belong to the Remnants, or “the Eyes that Watch” – pertaining to an elite cadre of Redguard warriors and spies that ensure the Thalmor and Aldmeri Dominion uphold their terms of the Second Treaty of Stros M’Kai that ensured they will not have any of their troops stationed in Hammerfell.

Although technically identical in terms of stats with Steel Weapons, the history and lore attached to the Remnant Scimitar make it quite the alluring find. A copy of the weapon is best found in the bodies of Remnant Warriors, making them worthwhile foes to pursue.

41

Golden Mace

Damage: 13

Players who want an alternate take on the horrific Daedra in The Elder Scrolls lore will appreciate the golden hues of the Golden Saints and their avian-themed armor until they learn these Golden Saints are just a subspecies of Daedra known as the Aureal. Quick to anger and proud of their origins, their arrival in the Saints & Seducers Creation in Skyrim may pose a threat to Tamriel that others might not be aware of. And those who want to exact the fury of a Golden Saint upon others might find their Golden Mace quite an interesting weapon.

As with other Golden Weapons, their stats are weaker than their Glass counterparts but same in damage as Elven Weapons. This is reflected in its design, as the avian motif is also reflected with its eagle-head tip with an open beak that held a golden ball. Unlike the more horrific designs of Daedric weapons, the Aureal’s iteration is more refined in nature.

40

Golden War Axe

Damage: 12

When players download the Saints & Seducers Creation in Skyrim, they will be able to encounter the Golden Saints – Daedra with a golden hue whose allegiance is sworn with the Mad Prince Sheogorath. Despite their angelic nature, these Auriels are extremely proud and arrogant – quick to anger and fury. With something like the Golden War Axe, players can convey terror in the eyes of their opponents as they may never see fury coming from such an elegant weapon.

Despite its size, the Golden War Axe is a bit weaker than its Glass counterpart but its damage output is similar to that of the Elven War Axe – all appropriate comparisons due to their similar aesthetics.

39

Irkngthand War Axe of Fire/Freezing

Damage: 13

When players read the fisherman’s journal at the Bronze Water Cave (just after “The Ultimate Feast”), players will eventually find ancient Dwemer mechanisms – a hint of the true origins of the cave they just found. At the very end of the quest is a chest that contains the Irkngthand War Axe of Fire and Freezing, a pair of War Axes hailing from Irkngthand, a Dwemer ruin below the Pale.

Their rather ancient design seems intentional with its origins, as Irkngthand holds the last depictions of the Ancient Falmer or Snow Elves before the extinct dwarves corrupted them into the Falmers today. Unlike the one-sided Dwarven War Axe, the Irkngthand War Axe has a circular blade that splits near the tip of its handle, with intricate markings denoting its Dwarven origin.

38

Bloodthorn

Damage: 5

Befitting a dagger with an edgy name is Bloodthorn, a unique steel dagger located on the balcony of Hag’s End, which is a Nordic tomb to the northeast of Markarth and to the west of Solitude. However, despite its appearance being identical to that of a steel dagger, Bloodthorn is quite a menace to deal with at the hands of a rogue or a stealth character.

While it only has 5 Base Damage, its 2.5 Weight allows players to dish out mean damage extremely quickly. At its core, if Bloodthorn kills a target within three seconds of being attacked, it produces a soul gem. This can be enchanted via a steel ingot and the Arcane Blacksmith, which can double its effects.

37

Dragonbone Dagger

Damage: 6

Forged from the bones of dragons, the Dragonbone Dagger is one of the most powerful dagger types in Skyrim. This small dagger has a simple iron handle and a fine feather-like blade. Players can forge this dagger with a leather strip and a dragon bone. They can further upgrade the weapon via a grindstone with double the improvement if they have the Dragon Smithing Perk.

The Dragonbone Dagger is tied with the Blade of Woe in terms of damage output. However, the Dragonbone Dagger bests the Blade of Woe in terms of speed. Theoretically, the Dragonbone Dagger can have higher DPS than the latter.

36

Grimsever

Damage: 12

For a one-handed sword named Grimsever, it’s quite ironic that its appearance is just a typical glass sword. However, this unique weapon has quite a unique acquisition method as well. Players can get this weapon before and once they begin the “Retrieve Grimsever” quest for Mjoll the Lioness. This is located next to the blood splatter on the ground at the end of the Mzinchaleft Gatehouse.

While players give Grimsever back to Mjoll, they can also get this weapon permanently after the quest. Once she becomes a follower, players can trade the weapon for her. In combat, Grimsever always deals an extra 15 Frost Damage to both Health and Stamina of opponents on top of its initial 12 Damage, making it a mean early-game weapon.

35

The Pale Blade

Damage: 11

Following its themes of lowkey Lovecraftian horror, one of Skyrim’s most decent weapons lies in The Pale Blade. Taking the appearance of an Ancient Nord sword, the Pale Blade initially has 8-11 Damage and 12-15 Weight, similar to the weapon. However, once players acquire this from the body of Ra’jrr in Frostmere Crypt after his death at the hands of the Pale Lady. Players who pick up the blade and place it on the nearby pedestal will appease the Pale Lady and cause her to leave. However, players who want to get this weapon will have to defeat her as she reappears to defend the weapon after it’s picked up.

The Pale Blade is a worthy acquisition, however. While equipped, targets take an extra 25 Frost Damage on hit. Not only that, but people and creatures hit with this weapon will flee from combat for a good 30 seconds, provided they’re until Level 16.

34

Valdr’s Lucky Dagger

Damage: 5

Don’t look down on Valdr’s Lucky Dagger just because it looks like an ordinary steel dagger. While it only boasts the 5 Attack and 2.5 Weight of a typical steel dagger, Valdr’s Lucky Dagger does have quite a unique effect. At its core, it has a 25-percent chance of scoring a critical hit. Considering how it could be upgraded, Valdr’s Lucky Dagger can become a mean weapon at early levels considering the sheer speed of dagger strikes.

It also helps that Valdr’s Lucky Dagger is a relatively easy acquisition. Players can get this from Valdr after finding him in Moss Mother Cavern, where an injured Valdr gives this to the player since his friend Niels and Ari were already killed prior to their adventure.

33

Bolar’s Oathblade

Damage: 11

Fans of katanas would appreciate the Blades Sword for adopting this appearance, despite its base 11 Damage and 10 Weight. As such, looking at Bolar’s Oathblade might seem like looking at an ordinary Blades Sword with a fancy name – although with black leather and a serpentine guard. Players can get this weapon inside the Bloated Man’s Grotto, where the blade is located under the shrine of Talos alongside a note with its oath.

Once belonging to Acilius Bolar, the Oathblade accompanied this Imperial Blades member during the attack on Cloud Ruler Temple. Players who use this weapon can deal 25 Stamina Damage to opponents, as well as force people and creatures up to Level 12 to flee the battlefield for as long as 30 seconds.

32

Dawnbreaker

Damage: 12

Meridia is the Daedric Prince associated with energy and life. With the Sunburst as her symbol, it makes sense for people to also call her the Lady of Infinite Energies. Despite her status as a Daedric Prince, she’s not entirely evil and has a benevolent aura about her. This holds true with her Daedric artifact, Dawnbreaker, which players can retrieve after “The Break of Dawn” quest.

At first glance, Dawnbreaker fits its artifact status. The blade has a circular cross guard with a gem in the middle that constantly emits light. This isn’t just an aesthetic effect, as the light illuminates dark areas. In terms of stats, it has 10 Weight and deals 12 Damage, making it as light as a Steel Sword but as strong as a Glass Sword. However, its additional enchantments make Dawnbreaker deal 10 Fire Damage to targets, with a chance of causing undead to explode upon defeat.

31

Harkon’s Sword

Damage: 8

Lord Harkon boasts not just pure-blooded vampirism and sheer powers, but also his fabled Harkon’s Sword. As the name suggests, this is Harkon’s personal weapon, stylized as a Blades Katana with a sword guard seemingly of Molag Bal’s aesthetic. Unlike a Blades Katana, Harkon’s Sword is bloodied, reflecting its nature. While its 9 Weight and 8 Damage make it slightly stronger than an Iron Sword, Harkon’s Sword does have a unique enchantment.

When Harkon’s Sword hits an enemy, it absorbs 15 Health, Magicka, and Stamina. However, this enchantment only works if a vampire uses the Sword. Harkon’s Sword becomes nothing but an heirloom when looted from Lord Harkon by a mere mortal.

30

Bloodscythe & Soulrender

Damage: 13

Bloodscythe and Soulrender serve as two of the most unique weapons in Skyrim. Despite their appearance as regular scimitars, their enchantments only work when wielded together. They’re the favored weapons of Haknir Death-Brand, the legendary Nord pirate. Players may grow to love dual-wielding these weapons, too, as their 10 Weight and 13 Damage means they’re as light as Steel Swords but as strong as Ebony Swords.

In terms of appearance, they look exactly like normal scimitars, but with a red sheen. When wielded together, they can steal 15 Health and have a chance of granting 50 Armor Reduction for as long as 15 seconds. Players can get these weapons after finishing the “Deathbrand” quest.

29

Nord Hero Mace

Damage: 13

By the time players reach Whiterun, the Skyforge over Jorravskr would likely be one of the first Skyrim attractions they can see. This massive monument is a literal forge, with the location being among the many potential “mainstays” in a player’s gear progression journey – especially when this is the only location allowing players to craft Ancient Nord gear and Nord Hero gear. The latter is accessible after completing the Companions questline, allowing them to “process” Ancient Nord armaments to their Nord Hero counterparts.

Among Nord Hero weapons, the Nord Hero Mace is an exciting acquisition. While essentially possessing traits equivalent to Elven, Nordic, or Skyforge counterparts, the Nord Hero Mace also has one other quality that separates Nord Hero gear from other variants: it’s tied to Iron as the lightest weapon – and, therefore, more DPS.

28

Ebony Sword

Damage: 13

When players reach Gloombound Mine in Narzulbur or Raven Rock Mine in Solstheim, they can access Ebony Ore, which they can eventually process into an Ebony Sword. Belonging to among the highest gear classes in the base game, the Ebony Sword fits the sleek and stylish aesthetic prior to the more menacing Daedric gear. Given its status as being “one step before” accessing Daedric powers, the Ebony Sword is reasonably close to unconventional.

Compared to Oblivion’s Ebony gear that mixes regal gold with a sleek black base, the Ebony Sword of Skyrim borders the alien. Characterized by a hilt that extends into multi-layered plates and spirals, the main blade seems to have a reversed edge with swirling patterns. For players who think the Daedric Sword is too obviously “evil,” the Ebony Sword is more subtle.

27

Ebony War Axe

Damage: 15

Keeping in line with Ebony gear’s more unconventional appearance, the Ebony War Axe adds a much-needed sleeker take on the heavy-duty weapon. Whereas the Ebony War Axe of Oblivion gameplay is more pronounced with its black base and gold highlights, Skyrim’s rendition of the weapon is much curvier.

The shaft itself seems to be made of aged Ebony, with black wraps on the main handle. Its base has a protruding sharp end, while a small cylindrical divider borders its head. The axe has an abruptly curved front end and a longer rear end, with a spike on top. All blades have the Ebony’s characteristic swirling pattern. Its more subdued appearance seems to hint at its nature as pre-Daedric gear, where the Ebony armaments are “tighter” in appearance before “opening up” to a more malicious look when infused with a Daedric Heart.

26

Dark Seducer Mace

Damage: 14

When players acquire the Saints & Seducers Creation, they become introduced to Thoron – a manic mage whose machinations weakened the barriers separating Tamriel and the Shivering Isles. The Elder Scrolls fans know the latter as the realm of Sheogorath, the Daedric Prince of Madness. While players can choose not to engage in Thoron’s storyline directly, finding Joften’s Notes under the bridge at Half-Moon Hill can unlock Dark Smithing – a variation of Daedric Smithing that can help players construct the Dark Seducer Mace.

Although the Dark Seducer Sword shares properties similar to Glass and a similar “dark” origin as Daedric, its appearance is close to Ebony in color but has a Shivering Isles-worthy unconventional design. Compared to traditional maces with straight shafts and a large head, the Dark Seducer Mace begins with a metallic handle and a shaft that twists upwards, leading to a claw-like head with small joint-like balls. This “twisted” appearance seems more like a prelude to the much more colorful weapons not just in the Creation but also stronger armaments in general.

25

Dragonbane

Damage: 14

At first glance, Dragonbane resembles the staple Akaviri katana found inside the Sky Haven Temple. However, beneath its recognizable exterior is a unique effect. This sword is specifically built to kill dragons. At its core, Dragonbane affects its targets in two different ways. First, it deals an extra 40 Damage when attacking dragons. If it attacks a non-dragon target, it deals 10 Shock Damage to them instead.

Dragonbane boasts 14 Weight and 14 Damage, making it the lighter version of the base Daedric Sword. It’s as light as the base Glass Sword but deals more damage. Players can obtain Dragonbane during the “Alduin’s Wall” quest.

24

Stalhrim War Axe

Damage: 15

Despite its status as a normal weapon, the Stalhrim War Axe can be just as refined as its named counterparts. As with most Stalhrim weapons, it can be forged by combining two leather strips and two Stalhrim. What makes it unique is obviously its use of Stalhrim, a rare ore with no random locations. There are only 19 regenerating Stalhrim deposits throughout Solstheim.

This axe has 15 Damage and 16 Weight, making it considerably lighter than its “stronger” counterparts. The Ebony, Daedric, and Dragonbone versions of War Axes have 17 Weight, 18 Weight, and 21 Weight, respectively. As a Stalhrim weapon, it can increase the potency of Frost Damage enchantments by 25%.

23

Stalhrim Mace

Damage: 16

Players who want their Skyrim gameplay to involve using hard-hitting maces would appreciate the Stalhrim Mace. Its appearance alone makes it interesting, as the chunk of Stalhrim used as the main bludgeoning weapon isn’t spiked or flanged compared to other maces in the game. It’s acquired via Smithing 80 and after completing “A New Source of Stalhrim Quest.”

However, perhaps more interesting is its stats. While falling short of Ebony, its 16 Base Damage and 18 Weight make it a relatively lightweight but heavy-hitting weapon. Not to mention, Frost Damage is the best Enchantment to be placed in this weapon, as it receives 25% more potency.