User blog comment:True Aranel/Help With Character Building?/@comment-177.183.27.236-20120825232042/@comment-5337347-20120901200933

When the Wanderer armor starts to lose its luster, try using the Gold-Hemmed Black Robes. You get them from an altar near Ceaseless Discharge in the Demon Ruins, and they can be obtained right after defeating Quelaag. They're a bit heavier, but they have pretty good defenses, too.

Also keep in mind that two-handing a weapon only increases your Strength by 50%. Since Uchigatanas don't benefit from strength very much, it may be just as well to use a shield, even if it's a small one. Alternatively, you can try a Parrying Dagger, which is available from the New Londo Ruins, and can be obtained right when the game starts if you so desire. ANY enemy in the game can be parried, and it will reduce the damage you take by about 70%. However, only medium (human) sized or slightly larger opponents can be staggered by a parry, and can then be riposted.

Example: You can parry the Taurus demon, even though he's huge, but he won't be thrown off balance by your parry. The upside to this is that parrying that giant attack keeps you from being staggered as well.

If you really don't want a shield, parrying is the next best thing you can get.