What in sub hand?

[Kitkat]

Quoted from when I asked the same question as this is the answer I got after numbers were ran. Now this was at 90 and assumes that mandau is available, if not then obviously ignore that part, but the rest does hold merit. Take into account that there are newer daggers and swords now available also from VWNM/WOE.

Yeah, it's pretty stupid. I'm hoping they adjust it eventually, but won't hold my breath.

Anyway, as promised I ran some quick numbers. I used a 28 damage enspell, which is a high-end but not top-tier build (lacks the new enhancing magic skill body from Voidwatch) plus capped skill + merits. Also used 8/8 merited sword and dagger since we're comparing Mandau.

Started off with a comparison inside Abyssea. As I expected, STR Shamshir +2 came out slightly ahead of DA Khanda +2. More interestingly, Mandau 90 performed best out of all the weapons I compared even with just base damage/delay. Oneiros Knife was the closest contender inside Abyssea assuming critdmg+5%; if it's a 10% bonus then it would edge out Mandau. Chimeric Fleuret was next, followed by Sagasinger, then STR Shamshir +2 and DA Khanda +2. Chimeric Fleuret and Shamshir +2 would gain some ground vs higher level enemies.

Outside Abyssea, the order gets shuffled around a bit depending on what you're fighting. For new VT+ content expect Chimeric Fleuret to take the lead, followed by Sagasinger, Mandau, STR Shamshir +2, and then DA Khanda +2 and Oneiros Knife. For older content where defense is lower and thus physical damage is a greater part of your DPS, Sagasinger and Mandau are almost identical with Chimeric Fleuret close behind, followed by STR Shamshir +2, DA Khanda +2, and Oneiros Knife once again.

If enspell resists are an issue, Sagasinger is probably your best bet. Chimeric Fleuret and Mandau are still strong choices due to their strong damage/delay and the fleuret's DA+4%, though STR Shamshir will perform comparably. If you're /DNC instead of /NIN, the low delay weapons are slightly less attractive. Chimeric Fleuret gains ground if you need the accuracy+5, though there's also DEX Shamshir +2 to consider at that point.

PS: +3 versions of shamsir should be better now due to increased base dmg so once again, keep in mind this was prior to cap increase and newer weapons now available.