Sword is ok, especially for abominations, but you will need the iron mace in the end. Trust me on that.

What I would make with iron:
1. Iron-banded shield.
2. Iron mace.

Level both up as far as you can. Kill abominations for root armor. Use the sword, NOT the mace!

3. Make the mask first. Level it up. You will need it for poison resistance.
4. Make at least the hauberk for pierce resistance against archers. Level it up.

If you have iron left, make the greaves. Level them up. They will serve you well beyond the swamps for a while. Last you should make is the iron pickaxe. You'll need it for the mountains, but not now.

Edit: You will find iron in crypts.
Edit2: Use the mace on anything but abominations in the swamp.