Ultra noob melee question

[Malrubius]

So I am playing my first melee ever, and am level 7 (ooohhh, aaaahhhh).

Until yesterday, I was using a Fine Steel Two-Handed Sword (43/12), and was hitting for a max of 20 (my str is 120-ish).

I just upgraded to a Blackened Iron Bastard Sword (47/20), and am still hitting for a max of 20.

So, what does the higher damage of the BIBS buy me? Is it that I will hit for max more often? Or is something that will benefit me only later after I get more STR or more levels? Or...?

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