Rogue pre-epic weapons

[dasdraco]

Hi,

I have made a new rogue, level 23, and am currently wielding a thunder runed war spear from Kael (13/30) in main hand and a crystalline spider fang (10/22) off-hand.

I'd appreciate any thoughts as to whether I should try to get a frozen shard or serpent's tooth before epic, or just try to plow through to 46. If so, anyone have a line on one at a good price?

Small dragon bone shard is out, because I am a barb.

On a related note, I understand damage is key for main hand due to backstabd, but does anyone have insight as to when to go with weapon with slightly less damage that is materially faster? For example, I anticipate the 12/24 velium Spears outperforms a 13/30 war spear, inclusive of backstabs.

I think I used to know the answer 10 years ago.

Thanks,
Prester the bard
Camillus the rogue

Excuse typos. I am typing on phone.