First one definitely more enticing, but there's too many "—." I'm not saying that it's AI, but I've been avoiding — in my works because AI just loves to use it for some reason.
There are many types of daggers, but I'm guessing you're talking about the ones that don't have any complex guard. Just use them like a modern dagger.
A katana is basically a worse longsword with no hand protection.
Scimitar? It's basically a Polish saber.
Greatsword/Spadone/Zweihander/Montante...
It's pretty common, even in folk tales. It teaches temperance and all that stuff. It's also an easy way to show readers that your protagonist is morally superior for refusing some temptation that would ensnare most.
Because of that, putting it randomly in your story won't do any good. It's best...
As a (bad) HEMA practitioner, monologues during fight CAN happen. It's called Distance (or Measure if you're a fancy Italian fencer.) Basically, you can do whatever you want if your opponent isn't close enough to hit you. You can do a few exchanges and retreat. Your opponent may chase after...
It really depends on what kind of world it is. Is the world full of people with supernatural powers? Then sure, send the guy away.
Does the protagonist have political rivals or someone helping the protagonist has enemies? Then it makes sense that he's sent to the front lines.
Is the situation...