anyone got any pointers on weapon management?
 
my battle axe is apparently broken.  i can't equip it anymore.  i'm left with a broken sword hilt.  takes forever to kill anything.  heaven help me if there is more than one mob and they have shields (argh!).  i don't remember getting a warning about the weapon breaking but i very well could have missed that.  i understand weapon repair comes later with certain items and npcs.  anyone confirm that the expectation is to tough it out with the hilt and battle skills until i can repair?
 
i've seen other forums that said use your best weapons on bosses and larger enemies, but not on common trash.  must've been where i screwed up.

Buy a new weapon at the merchant in the first area.  He's down some stairs near the bonfire where Rorie was saved at the start of the quicklook.  
 
You can also purchase the ability to repair equipment at bonfires from this guy for 3000 souls.   The blacksmith who repairs your stuff for a fee can be found shortly after the metal bull thing.  You see him at the end of the QL. 

I don't think you can repair a broken weapon. I remember reading somewhere that broken weapons and armor are pretty much junk. Your best bet is to find a different weapon. Also, you can buy repair kits from vendors. Make sure to read the item descriptions.

You can repair damaged equipment, but not broken equipment.