I suppose, but would an aptitude weapon allow shadowblade to function with a Katana? It seems to me it would be Shadowblade(dagger), Shadowblade(unarmed strike), etc. since it affects each Shadow Hand preferred weapon and would therefore count for the feat.
And the Gloom Razor tactical feat, would it be worth it to take a swordsage dip or 2 to get access to it and what would be the best levels to do so, I'm thinking after my 5th level in Iaijutsu Master.
Or should I just take swordsage all the way instead of Warblade?
And I'm having a little trouble with maneuvers, I'm liking what Diamond Mind has to offer A LOT, but White Raven and Iron Heart look excellent as well with a few choice grabs from Tiger Claw.
Ruby/Diamond Nightmare blade combined with Gloom Razor to flatfoot with Iaijutsu would let Gloom Razor "simulate" a full attack on that first strike of the round dealing x2/x4 damage. I'm thinking of taking the swordsage dip to qualify for Shadowblade at 6th level and gain weapon focus, then at 9th take Gloom Razor.
Something like this maybe:
Feats:
lv1:2flaws, FoIx2, Imp. Initiative, Able Learner
lv3:Quick Draw
lv6:Shadow Blade
lv9:Gloom Razor
lv12:<open> Iaijutsu Master Bonus Feat <open>
I'm thinking of taking 1 or 2 fighter levels for the bonus feats, and taking dodge and mobility, and using the Iaijutsu Master bonus feat to gain Spring Attack, I then use Gloom Razor and Spring Attack to Flatfoot opponents combined with standard action maneuvers in which shadow hand has some nice ones that only effect flatfooted opponents.
My 3rd level is either going to be Warblade or Swordsage, Swordsage gives more maneuvers but the recovery mechanic sucks hard, while warblades recovery is decidedly nicer and allows for the low level flatfooted opportunities of every other turn since recovery is a swift action along with an attack. Iaijutsu is an average of +3d6 which is very respectable at 3rd level.
I'm considering taking the Stance of Clarity and positioning myself to only facing one opponent at a time since the enemies have ridiculously high hit bonuses and damage, stone bones for the DR would also rock fiercely, I'm liking Child of Shadows for the concealment though, I won't lie.