I found myselfe quite interested in this character...
My swashbuckler char is evil, and intends to use the human flesh and the blackrazor (maybe not the best equipment, but they're really interesting)
The swashbuckler is like a combo of the kensai and a thief, weaker thief abilities, gets more damage etc every 5 levels and gains a -1 ac too.
It sounds really great, especially when considering that a thief can become lvl 40 in tob, he'll get superb ac and can dualwield out some great damage because of the 3 slots possibility in dualwielding profiencys.

What do u think? he cannot backstab by the way...

I'm using one right now, and I really like him. He's level 20-something, and with the Black Dragon Scale armor, he's got an AC of -9. I've got him dual wielding Celestial Fury and the Blade of Roses (Daystar when battling undead), and he's capable in a melee fight (** in both Katana and Long Sword). If you're not a fan of backstabbing, then you'll really like this guy.

I always liked swashbucklers. They allow you to have an extra 1/2 tank or so without subtracting from your thief abilities...with an elf dex of 19, and shadow dragon scale, you're hardly worse off than Keldorn or Minsc, plus you can take over the trapping abilities.

However, I do sometimes miss the ability of the backstab to turn a tough boss + minions battle into an absolute minion rout. Still, I highly recommend it as a class, and it's wonderful as a PC, 'specially if you're evil. ;)

<font color="cadetblue">Swashbucklers are great when you hit TOB. My Swashbuckler was in a 6 person party so she wasn't near the xp cap. Wearing the White Dragon Scale armour, Helm of Balduran, and Tzu-Zan's racers she had -17 AC! Not bad for a thief! [img]tongue.gif[/img] Swashes are one of my favourite classes. I'm not a backstabbing type so there really wasn't any disadvantage to me.</font>

by the way, whats'up with that name? swashbuckler?

Its like a thief more concentrated in fighting.