i have posted on the forum about this topic and was asked to place it here. I believe that weapons and armor stats for example an Armor resistance and weight should be based off the type of metal that was used to craft it as well as the quality. Currently if you craft a set of chain, scale or plate out of copper, silver, gold, iron, or steel the resistance is all the same based on quality and if it is light, regular or veteran. we all know that gold and silver weapons were primarily crafted into these items for ceremonial use as the metals were to soft to be used in combat. and copper was mixed with tin to create bronze weapons and armor. Iron armor was heavy and still had its weakness. Steel was primarily used during the time frame the game is based on due to its strength and durability and it was lighter than iron armor.
As for weapons I would like to see a difference in damage and durability based off the metal and quality of the metal as well as the wood used for the same reasons as the armor. However with the different types of Wood they also should effect the damage and weight of a weapon that requires there use. We all know Oak is very hardy and a tough wood there for should make better shields for damage absorption. the woods application for Handel's in tools and weapons should also be based on the Type and quality of wood used as well. For example the durability of a handle and how often it needs to be maintained as well as weight and weapon speed when swinging based off the weight of the weapon, and the strength of the player. As for Bows the use of such woods as Oak to make them was not really used due to the wood being to rigid and not elastic enough to not snap or break during use. I feel applications of these physics will add more depth to your game and enrich the environment.
Lastly Vostaskus Steel I believe weapons and armor should be able to be crafted out of the material and be able to be the best in the game I know it would be expensive to craft however this would allow guilds in game a chance to work towards a type of endgame content and would be a goal that can be obtained adding further depth to the concept or your game that Life is Feudal.
Sincerely, Seton( Knight of Prosperity)