When should you forge weapons?

[DeadlyShoe]

when you have guys to use them effectively more like. Ranged weapons like the Thunder Bow, Fire Bola or Staff of Corrosion are a great way to get some use out of commanders that otherwise just sit there, like Legatus Legionis. Flame/Frost brands turn cavalry commanders into effective spearheads - or even good thugs, if they can self buff.

A lot of weapons are more specialized in use however, or only really useful when used by a supercombatant.