without spending perk points on smithing perks? I really don't want to use up my perks on smithing perks, but I would like to level up certain weapons and armor to legendary. Is there any hope for me? I'd rather not just conjure them through the use of console commands, but if that's what it takes, then so be it.

Alchemy + enchanting + 100 smithing without perks = legendary weapons.

if you don't want to spend on Smithing Perks, your best Opyion would be utilizing the Restoration Glitch before taking it to the grindstone/workbench

Uh oh...I take it that would take a lot of grinding (no pun intended). I think I'll just use console commands. TBH my main problem is that I don't like how the super high fantasy weapons/armor look. I like how longbows/hunting bows/steel swords look a lot more, but shooting them at higher levels feels like a peashooter. I'd just like an effective bow while keeping it a longbow/effective sword while keeping it a steel sword XD

theres nothing wrong with that. I always choose my gear by appearance, not Stats

3 pieces of Peerless Smithing equipment and a Blacksmith's elixir will get you to Legendary III, none of this requires grinding any of your crafting skills except for, of course, Smithing.

The non-exploit cap is like Legendary XXVI

I think you only have to expend two perk points to get up to elven smithing, which creates weapons of serious destructive potential. That hardly breaks the bank, IMHO.