I'd have to wonder at your unarmed skill too as that wont be as levelled as main weapon skills.... I've found it to be more than acceptable for parrying and killing anything with only 35 unarmed. Yet to test against starred enemies but its been very worthwhile in all biomes for me so far. Except loxes... cos screw those tanky PoS :D They are what BM Atgeirs were built for.

It's nice as a travel weapon too with no move penalty even when weapon is drawn. Makes popping squitos v. easy.