Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood/Weapons

Weapons are purchased at blacksmiths, picked up off the ground, wrested from enemies, or awarded through cut-scenes or other tasks. Ezio can carry a multitude of weapons for both melee and long range combat. Weapons you receive by playing through the game or from buying in shops will show up in your armory at the hideout on Tiber Island. When looking at weapons at your armory or in stores, the weapon's vital stats will be displayed and compared against your currently equipped weapon of the same type.

The three characteristics you will get information on are damage, speed and deflect. Damage measures how badly you'll hurt an enemy if you make contact during an attack. Speed measures the quickness with which Ezio can attack with the weapon, and deflect is how well Ezio can block or parry an oncoming attack with the weapon. Damage is better for combat styles that don't rely too much on execution streaks and timing, while quick weapons can move you from target to target before your streak gets ruined. Deflect is the least important stat, as you'll want to counter or dodge incoming attacks rather than take the brunt of the force on your weapon.

Most melee weapons also have a secondary or power attack that you can activate by holding down the armed hand button. This moves takes longer to set up, but will make Ezio perform a different attack that might benefit you in a fight.

Hidden Blade
Your standard weapon, the hidden blade is your bread and butter device for stealthy, up-close assassinations. Secreted away up your sleeve, you can quickly and silently take someone out without drawing attention to the murder, even in the middle of a crowd. Although it has no secondary attack, the hidden blade can counter any other melee weapon and it is very fast. Unlike your other weapons, the hidden blade is also capable of being upgraded by Leonardo to make it even more deadly.
 * Hits for execution: 4