There are a few options, but this is what I would do.
Get Swords with as high Enhanced Effect on them as you can find/afford. Try to have upgrades every 10-15 levels at the most, you dont want to be level 55 using a level 15 weapon.
Get Scales/Leathers with as high Enhanced Effect and/or Strength as you can find/afford. Same deal as above, upgrade frequently for best results, higher level gear can spawn higher stats than lower level gear.
Get Charms (any type) with as high Strength as you can find/afford. Strength adds to weapon damage, and it is the dominant stat on Swords.
Stat a few points to Vita at the start, perhaps 5-20, it will add to your HP as you climb and help you tank and survive. Then pump all Strength. Forget Dex, regardless of what people say. I gave up on the ratio long ago.
Use Powerstrike/Bottomsup or Powerstrike/Knockdown. You can even experiment with Multistrike if you wish, but the first two will net you better damage.
PM me if you need any advice or help with how to play, and keep in mind this is just one way to play Fighter, there are other options, but I like this one the best and play this way myself.