you could try the bramble curved sword handle. i am currently using it with the bone-cutting sawblade and this handle gives me increased attack speed and a fable art that hits fast multiple times.

In technique I prefer special weapon instead of blade + handle, coz there are too many unique and fun options
Etiquette is my fav, but Dragon Sword seems more comfortable, and it has great unique charge attack with parry included
Since you can be very mobile with technique weapon, you can take low distance blade, so I think most unique experience from non-special will be with Tyrant Murderer's Dagger
And ofc, Claws (Death's Talons) from first DLC boss is interesting too

Played with all of it (started with Rapier that's why Etiquette is my fav) except dagger.

btw, if you used Advanced build and never tried Carcass Axe handle with Carcass Axe or Black steel blade, highly recommend. Axe handle on charged attack has few steps to enemy, so you can charge from distance, and it's soo satisfying to play

thx guys!

I just used trident through the whole game - crits to burrr.

Special weapon prob guanyu spear and twin dragon sword... both have counter and so fun to use
as for normal weapon I use plumber head (forgot the name), there is also one white big axe thats made from puppet that is stronger but I forgot the name too
for handle I use the one that the heavy push you forward a lot... the blade is something like the glaive, or scimitar one or curved one... I just use the one with a cool moveset and usually have some move that push you forward