I imagine Bethesda simply forgot to implement this? And fender swords, where are fender swords! The melee system seems quite intriguing but I haven't really come across any weapons which make me want to give it a go, besides the Shishkebab.

Yeah I found this a shame as well. Mostly because I liked to choose not to holster weapons. Just another public demonstration that I was, sure enough, a MAN of PEACE