The highest item level one-handed swords a level 31–40 character can wear start with Furious Falchion (item level 45, uncommon). 13 items fit the slot and band; the top 13 are ranked here by item level, then quality, not by simulation.
| # | Name | ILvl | Req. | DPS | Speed | Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Furious Falchion | 45 | 40 | 26.6 | 2.50 | One-Handed Sword | Found in Captain's Chest (Tanaris) at 1.3% (+496 more) (vanilla) |
| 2 |  Wicked Mithril BladeCHANGED | 45 | 40 | 26.6 | 2.50 | One-Handed Sword | Crafted: Blacksmithing |
| 3 |  Legionnaire's Sword | 43 | 38 | 29.3 | 2.70 | One-Handed Sword | Sold by Kelm Hargunth (Horde) (vanilla) |
| 4 |  Protector's Sword | 43 | 38 | 29.3 | 2.70 | One-Handed Sword | Sold by Illiyana Moonblaze (Alliance) (vanilla) |
| 5 |  Ebon Scimitar | 43 | 38 | 25.0 | 1.90 | One-Handed Sword | Drops from Foulbelly (Arathi Highlands) at 1.1% (+527 more) (vanilla) |
| 6 |  Speedsteel Rapier | 41 | 36 | 28.1 | 1.80 | One-Handed Sword | Found in Solid Chest (Alterac Mountains) at 0.0% (+271 more) (vanilla) |
| 7 |  Nobles Brand | 40 | 35 | 22.1 | 2.10 | One-Handed Sword | Drops from Darbel Montrose (Arathi Highlands) at 1.1% (+475 more) (vanilla) |
| 8 |  Scorpion Sting | 39 | 34 | 26.5 | 2.40 | One-Handed Sword | Found in Solid Chest (Alterac Mountains) at 0.0% (+287 more) (vanilla) |
| 9 |  Blade of the Magram ClanFOREVER | 38 | 35 | 20.5 | 2.20 | One-Handed Sword | Sold by #12792 |
| 10 | Knightly Longsword | 38 | 33 | 20.3 | 1.50 | One-Handed Sword | Drops from Lost One Chieftain (Swamp of Sorrows) at 1.1% (+448 more) (vanilla) Quest: Lee's Ultimate Test Quest... of Doom! (vanilla) |
| 11 | Mercenary Blade | 36 | 31 | 18.8 | 2.40 | One-Handed Sword | Drops from Lost One Cook (Swamp of Sorrows) at 1.1% (+496 more) (vanilla) |
| 12 |  Broadsword | 36 | 31 | 17.6 | 2.30 | One-Handed Sword | Sold by Brenwyn Wintersteel (+15 more) (vanilla) |
| 13 |  Light Scimitar | 36 | 31 | 11.3 | 1.90 | One-Handed Sword | Drops from Lady Falther'ess (Razorfen Downs) at 33.3% (+451 more) (vanilla) |
Ranked by item level, then quality, among items with a known source: gear nothing drops, sells, rewards or makes yet (raids not yet open, the client's test items) is left out. The class filter keeps what the class can equip at level 40 (armor type, weapon skill, Dual Wield, the item's own class limit); the side filter drops items that only the other side's vendors and quests offer. Source: the best known drop first (a Forever rate at 10+ loots, else the vanilla 1.12 chance), then vendors, quest rewards and the profession that makes it.
Other slots: Dagger, One-Handed Axe, One-Handed Mace, Two-Handed Sword, Two-Handed Axe, Two-Handed Mace, Polearm, Staff, Bow, Gun. Every slot and level.