I went to a blacksmith in the trade quarter to improve my weapon as I had some meteorite pieces. I assumed it would improve my witcher sword, but it gave me an additional "meteorite sword". Is this sword worth using, and is that the case with all weapon improvements? I mean, will I be able to improve my witcher weapons besides the coatings I apply to them? Thanks

That's how it works. Having various combinations of meteorite ore or runes allows you to buy a new sword from a blacksmith. There are no permanent upgrades to swords, just blade oils and whetstones.

does anyone use these other weapons? are they better than the witcher swords?

Yes, they are. They are basically a witcher sword with additional enchantments. If you mouse over the new sword it should tell you what the special enchantments are. These enchantments depend on which three meteorite stones you use to forge the sword.

If you were using the basic witcher steel sword, then the meteorite sword is deifnitely better, no matter which meteorite stones you used. If you are already using a meteorite sword, then a different meteorite sword may or may not be better, depending on the specific enchantments.

OK - I thought i read that using non witcher weapons left you without certain skills or techniques?

The meteorite swords count as witcher weapons. The non-witcher weapons are things like daggers and axes, which you can use, but you can't use your different styles (strong, fast, group) or sequences with them. Those, however, can be equipped in addition to your witcher swords.

So basically your reforged meteorite sword is just a better witcher steel sword.

Ok thanks - I didn't realize that

Just to clarify... *any sword* can be used with the witcher fighting techniques. Some are better than others, but all work in the same way.

Hammers, Flails, Pole-arms, Axes, Brooms, Knives, Torches etc are not swords, and only do basic damage with no skill bonuses or ability to dodge/parry with your enhanced skill-set.

Some are still worth using in very specific circumstances (the torch is a useful back-up weapon for use against 'untouchables' as it bypasses resistances and can incinerate many opponents). Some of the bigger axes do decent damage and can cause bleeding at a reasonably high chance... in *some* cases this might be worth experimenting with.

Generally signs, and the correct (steel/silver) sword choice is the way to go. (Bombs are useful too apparently, though I never invested into them in any play-throughs).