Practice all the weapons to 75 if you can before rank 11-12. Try to use a sword early since it parries the best and there are also many decent swords lying around. Hand to hand will not be beneficial to you early on until you get unarmed defense. Do not use it unless you have to even after you perfect it.

After playing assassins, I use the following weapons in order of preference: sword, dagger (only for assassinating or fighting shamans), spear, staff. Use a sword unless you have a good reason to switch.

One other thing, knowing h2h well and unarmed defense is a good way to help not dying in a round if you lose your weapon due to strength loss or disarm.