EDIT:
If the cost of the Side Sword was brought in line with the Italian Sword it would immediately become a more attractive option.
Italian Sword: 6,807
Side Sword: 8,219
Side Sword
weapon length: 95
weight: 1.2
difficulty: 10
speed rating: 100
weapon length: 95
thrust damage: 28 pierce
swing damage: 27 cut
slots: 1
I can think of 2 options to differentiate it from the Long Eslanova and to give a real reason to be in the top tier of 1h weapons.
1) Increase swing damage by 1 (This wouldn't make a huge difference but it would be better than a punch in the eye.)
2) Increase speed by 1
At the moment it is out classed by the Long Eslanova, the length gives the LEE an edge large enough to make the side sword more or less redundant. I spent most of a gen using the Side Sword and I feel its completely out matched by far to many top tier swords. As a cav thrust sword the LEE has the edge with the extra 8 length.
If your think "what use is there in a thrusting sword for 1h cav?", think horse bump. Ye olde bump and stab, hard to do but very fun.
Long Espada Eslanova
weapon length: 103
weight: 1.2
difficulty: 12
speed rating: 99
weapon length: 103
thrust damage: 28 pierce
swing damage: 27 cut
slots: 1
Giving the side sword +1 to swing dmg will make its MW variant a pretty exceptional sword. I do think however giving it +1 to speed would be the better option, it would then have a real reason to be in the top tier and would be a pretty potent weapon.
It would place it a similar category to the Katana, same speed, same length. Considerably less swing dmg but considerably more thrust.
Katana
weapon length: 95
weight: 1.2
difficulty: 9
speed rating: 101
weapon length: 95
thrust damage: 16 pierce
swing damage: 37 cut
slots: 2
This sword is incredibly under used. Its not under appreciated, it is a very average weapon. Recently on the market there were 4 +1, the price crashed to 265k.
No one will touch the thing.
Cheers
FRANK
PS BUY MY SWORD!
Poll