Originally Posted by
eddyak
It's gonna be a little while before you can travel between bonfires, unfortunately. The Battle axe is pretty good (I don't remember its moveset, is it any good for multiple opponents?), but if you want to use the bastard sword instead, the Claymore is a better version of that weapon, it's back on the bridge with the drake. Longer reach, same moveset, more damage.
Pick up a couple weapons from the blacksmith, see how you like their movesets.
Armour reinforcement is... generally not really a thing I waste too many souls on. Wouldn't recommend it, but then, I don't get hit too often any more. Don't take my advice on that front.