Is there a benefit to using a specialized weapon
other than the skills a warrior learns?
I.e., does a warrior hit more often, hit harder,
learn faster, or something like that with a specialized weapon,
or is just that he has whatever special tricks are in the
specialization path?

I ask because it occurred to me if the answer is no,
then for my char, Rp permitting, it makes more sense
for a staff specialist to switch to, say, a mithril sword,
when fighting a dark elf. Assuming that knowledge of
both weapons is roughly equal.

I've seen this go both ways in different places.

Thanks!

There are situations where I'd sooner have a mithril axe or mace, for example, if fighting a dark elf assassin, since they don't parry axes or maces very well. I would sooner use specced skills of spear and staff against most enemies though, and depending on how the assassin fights, maybe use a specced skill before he stops me using a two handed weapon.

If you hit harder or more frequently with your specialized weapon it is most likely due to the fact that you have been using that weapon longer and have it at a higher %. Other than that there is no clear advantage of specialized weapon over nonspecialized other than your extra skills.

If there is any way you can gain an advantage over the other person it is normally ideal to go for it. If you can wield two mithril swords when attacking that dark elf, then he would be in for more than a world of hurt just by you using simple tactics like dirt disarm while using them.

If you engage and are beat badly when using unspecialized weapons, then you can still go back and fight them with your specialized weapon until you have an advantage then finish them with the mithril and trip/bash.

Just remember that basic combat skills that every warrior gets (dirt/disarm/offhand),(drive into unfavorable areas). Some legacies even promote using weapons outside of your scope of specialization.