(WIP) (INPUT NEEDED)
INTRO: What we have now, in terms of weapon diversity is sad, to say the least. On one end, you have Reach, on the other, you have Knockback. The Knockback end has extra damage, a huge buff. The Ranged weapons are on the other end, and the Spear actually does less damage than a Sword. Overall, this needs a re-working.
NOTE: Reach, Knockback, and Armor Piercing will all be referred to as "R", "KB", and "AP".
NOTE 2: Armor Piercing Weapons are also the fastest.
PROPOSAL: A Weapons Triangle be developed. Basically, the Sword would be at the center, dealing Damage. The R weapons, the KB weapons, and the AP weapons (new idea), would each form a corner of the Triangle. In-between these groups would be weapons that combine the different buffs. (See the picture below to get a better idea of how the weapons are modified).
CRAFTING: All these different kinds of weapons need a crafting recipe, but that would be very hard to do on a crafting table, even if the grid were expanded. Hence, the Anvil. As all suggestions involving Anvils, this one also includes an Anvil reworking. Now, whenever the Anvil is within (3-5) blocks of a heat source, (lava, fire, etc.) the anvil GUI changes. Instead of the four slots we have now, the middle becomes somewhat different. The top-middle slot disappears, and transforms into a 3x3 crafting grid. You can craft the weapon head/blade, and then attach it to sticks (possibly hilts, if users like the idea) on the faction's crafting table, and voila! A weapon worthy of mevans!
REQUIREMENTS: The Long, Swift, Hefty, and Hulking modifiers are either removed entirely, or become available to all weapons now. This means that you could possibly have a Long Mithril Halberd, or a Hulking Mithril Warhammer. They might be nerfed somewhat, as to not disrupt the Triangle too much, but at least you could get them. This way, someone with a Swift Long Battlestaff couldn't be instantly ahead of someone with a Swift Longspear.