Weapons like Swords and Axes and Hammers. Axes are nice for dwarfs but I mainly use swords. Daggars are like to weak, hammers to slow but handy for killing weak mobs for gold or quest. The whole katana thing is weird, it's like every one wants to be a ninja.And if you look at some mods for oblivion you will see taht every one makes like HUGE weapons or katana's and ninja swords with costums.
Abbout the Ninja : Sneaking ok that's cool but the wole black suit thing with moves and pony tails haha don't make me laugh.
Pirates: Argh? uhm no thats for like movie pirates, the real pirites of RPG's are kinda cool and stylish. They have cuttlas and those weapons can be very powerfull and beutifull. They could wear really oor clothes tho but the captain for isntance has a nice coat and hat.
Overal I rather have a pirate with a Cutlass and a Sword. Altho a strong katana without the ninja looks and shit is also Prefered.