Unimproved, Swords do the most DPS. I like the bleed effect for axes, some people say it's negligable by the numbers, I've noticed the difference in game. For Dual Wield, I like one of each, with Dual Flurry, you can stack those effects quickly. There's also more enchanted swords in the game, some better than you can make yourself, like the Blade of Woe Windshear, and Drainheart Sword.
The Blades' Sword has the longest reach in 1 hand weapons, not counting Miraaks', it mught be a tie. On a left hand power attack, you can sting even 2 handers if you time it right. The off hand hatchet attack is powerful, and fast, but takes a ton of Stamina, and comes with a slow normal attack. (Also slows down your dual attacks.) I've pulled it off with a sword in the main, it's different, and I kind of love the shear brutality of it, but far less efficient than the other way. Not unlike a Shield without the Block, and a lot more damage.
I don't like Maces, too slow. I had 1 "Charger" build that made it count with Critical Charge, the swinging speed is less of an issue if you hit them once, and knock them back a couple steps if they survive it. Basically traided the reach of a 2Hander for a shield. Strait up DPS builds, this is a bad choice, Spellswords can make it count, but an Axe is generally better for either.
!he only Battleaxe I use (Because Bound Battleaxe is Glitched) is the Drainblood. That fighting style (Hack&Bash) it a lot more firgiving with such a light one. I can make do with the Headsman's, but the lack of damage is lackluster. If you want better, you'll have to make it. Rah'd Longhammer is the highest DPS 1 hander in the game with Orcish Smithing, and Elemental Fury. As close as you can get to Dual Wield. It overtakes the Ebony Blade just on how much damage it transfers to the target unenchanted. It's not a waste to enchant it either (I prefer 2x Drain Stamina.) This can eclypse Volendrung, which is the best you can get without crafting. Reach, Speed, hits like a log trap, drains their stamina, and gives it to you. I hate Warhammers, because they aren't more like that.
I use a greatsword the vast majority of the time. Even if I'm going for one of those Endgame monsters, I fight my way to it with about a meter, and a half of Skyforge Steel. It's lighter than most Sword/Shield combo, and I fought my way through, to the Bloodskal Blade, solo, below level 5. (Steel Pure.) That there is the best 2 hander in this Era, so far.