So are there any inehrent properties to weapons other than:
sword fast sharp
axe med sharp
mace slow pen armour.

Aside from the perks is it just your style?

Yeah pretty much.

Speed wise, swords are the fastest, followed by axes and then hammers.

Perks wise, swords get better critical chance, axes get more bleeding damage, while hammers get better armor penetration (i think).

So, it comes down to what your style is IMO.

your title contradicts itself, first you are talking about general then you are talking about specific

Personally I'm disappointed in the lack of different weapons and armor. Everything looks the same and it doesn't really matter what you go for.