how to get better swords without using souls to get them

hey guys im new to dark sword and was woundering how to get better sword without using souls to buy them i have a regulear tier 5 sword and it has plus 13 upgardes on it and i have a level 50 ligthing sheild shoulder piece would any one trade a rare tier 5 sword for my level 50 lighting sheild shoulder piece

Damn its lvl 50 lightning shield..wtf