>axes, clubs, hammers and the like are mechanically different

>>50055792
>all swords work exactly the same
>There is literally no mechanical or technical difference between a nodatchi and a scimitar
>Clubs and warhammers are exactly the same because they both have blunt striking surfaces
>Rifles, revolvers, and military grade automatic weaponry require no specialized training, and can be used interchangeably

>>50055911
>katanas are not superior to longswords

Abstracting competence in general with weaponry works a lot better for a game. I think one of the basics of D&D Fighters is that they should be able to use any skill relevant to one weapon across all their weapons. Weapon Specialization should be as hardcore as it was in AD&D, and it should apply to everything, as though it were specializing in 'using weapons' rather than 'using one weapon' like an absolute boss.

>>50055792
Oh I'm sorry would you like 700+ pages of rules detailing every minute difference between every medival weapon ever used or imagined or would you like to have fun?

>>50056373
Actually yes, just like how you don't use every single class on a single character, you don't need to know how to use every single weapon.

>>50056373
Personally I do like that kind of thing, but I'm also the sort of person who obsesses over every scrap of flavor text or minute backround note, so I'm not really a good gauge.

Kirthfinder rules for weapons are stellar

>everyone can use every weapon
>people who aren't trained to use weapons have simple proficiency. They know that sharp/heavy end goes into the bads. Most weapons are meh, but passable at this stage.
>Martial proficiency is having a competent understanding of the weapon and how it is employed, you are an adequate combatant with your choice of arms. Most weapons are decent and similar or identical to the PF stats.
>Exotic proficiency with weapons is mastery with your tool of war. You know the ins and outs of your weapon and have mastered many techniques and maneuvers with it, giving you increased damage, crit range, or the use of a strike feat whether you have the feat or not.

>>50056312
Agreed. I mean wizards are good at magic. Many are just good at "magic, in general" (playing specialists is more fun though). But fighters pretty much always specialize.