Lets be honest you should be able to break your opponates sword the more you attack it,swords where well cared for and yes even in the heat of battle swords and shields wear downand eventually break,so i propose an sword and shield break machinic.
Here's how i propose it works
oppoante A attacks oppoante B, and opponate B blocks attack from oppoante A however oppante A attacks opponate B's sword again and again wearing down the sword.
Now for the rest of the match your sword when it comes into contact with another whether you block,counter or make contact, An good swordsmen not only knows where to strike but also takes cares of his sword,if you have to upgrade your equpiment you should be able to repair said equipment after every battle.
if not this is what your looking at.
If you don't take care of your equipment then you won't have it , on you now I understand you got to have an weapon of some kind so i propose this in the sword break machinic, your stats on your sword should go down now when your sword breaks you have zero stats effect, its about the same when you 1v1 in a custom match with damage turned off, not only your should be able to reupire your sword but your equipment your fighter has on them such as armoror i don't need to explain why this is important.
now thats my suggestion for for honor