I really like Chillrend so far because it can be smithed so high. The frost enchantment is cool, but I suppose many things resist frost. Seems like it was that way in Oblivion too. The paralyze enchantment on it makes it devastating.

I recently got the Bloodskaal Blade and thought it seemed really cool how it basically shoots out red sonic booms like Guile lol. I was very disappointed it didn't have any smithing perks.

They should've made all artifacts and uniques to where they could be smithed to the maximum. Bethesda was very inconsistent on this. Some can't be smithed at all. Which do you think are the best? I want to know what to look out for.

Actually they can. You need to max out enchanting and smithing if you haven't, and than enchant some cloths to fortify smithing as well as a Blacksmithing potion and than you can make artifacts legendary. All Bethesda did was make it to where you had to work harder to make those weapons stronger. You're better off smithing and enchanting your own weapons and armor.

I'm already way ahead of you on that. I have alchemy, smithing, and enchanting maxed so my weapons are uber. I am kinda tired of it actually and would prefer to use the artifacts so I am the only one who has it. Sometimes my weapons feel generic when I see others that look exactly like it.

Most are pretty bad/useless/bugged. Chillrend and Miraak's swords are pretty good but sadly scales to your level.

Lots of the artifacts doesn't have any smithing perk attached to them or straight up can't be improved at all.