Swords did have their place in history. Out of practicality they were replaced by firearms. I've got no problem with guns and I do have certain guns I like more than others. But swords and an asthetic quality that guns can't reach. A sword can become artwork. They have an elegance to them. Guns are a more efficient method of getting something done, thats it.

If we were going to expand this to favorite melee weapon I would have to say a hammer of some sort. A flanged hammer with a long pick on the other side, prefferably something in the hand and a half 3-4 foot range for a shaft. It is one of the few weapons out there that could even think of *bashing* through plate. It isn't as elegent as a sword, but it could make someone decked out in plate that shrugs off most sword wielders think twice.