[tbeard1999]

From a discussion with Wil:

For swashbuckling campaigns, allow a "parry/riposte" - someone with a sword stops 2 points of damage, but is at -2 DX on his attack. Absorbing damage more or less produces the right result - it degrades smaller weapons - which are gonna be typical in swashbuckler campaigns - far more than larger weapons. (Obviously, the precise amount of hits stopped and DX penalty would need playtesting).

You could grant the "parry/ripost" ability as part of Sword or Fencing talents. Or, make it a separate talent.

It's clean and simple. It also affects smaller weapons significantly. And the modifications are handled solely by the player, which keeps the game moving.