Sprite & Paperdoll: Weapon

[Agoraphobic]

I am in the process of assigning weapon paperdolls for my sprites. I have been manipulating a sword in different positions and needed some feedback on the best walk/attack animations. I am unsure which positioning is the most pleasing to the eye. Below is the sprite and a 32x32 weapon. I would appreciate any mockups or advice on making it look good. A general idea would greatly help with the rest of my weapons.

 

Sprite:

http://imgur.com/a/t1S5a

 

32x32 Sword:

http://imgur.com/a/vCbEr