A little help please. I have not smithed a lot, but wanted to with my latest character, Apollo, is a Wood Elf Warrior. I have leveled to 101 in Smithing. Yet, A couple of my daggers I have leveled to Epic, yet most items, such as with my Cold Ebony War Axe I can't get past Ledgendary. I try to smith and get this message: "You lack the required skill to improve this item.

What skill could that be? Or is it because I am only at 58, or possibly because I am a Wood Elf. (Have same problem with another character, a Dark Elf).

Any ideas or thoughts will ease my frustration. (And, if this is the biggest frustration I have at age 69, then life must be OK.

Nothing can be tempered beyond "Legendary", the grades are from Fine to Legendary. Epic is the grade prior to Legendary.

It is possible to use Potions and Echanted Gear to increase a Weapon to absurd levels of damage, but the Weapon will never exceed Legendary.

To improve magic items you need to have level 60 smithing and pick the perk above steel.