Since you can only equip 8 skills at any given time, it is important to know which skills to bring with you.

My choice:
Sword
Sever Artery
Gash
Final Thrust

Tactic
Bonetti's Defense
Deadly Riposte
Shield Bash

Healing Prayer
Healing Breeze
Mending

That is for most area where the foes are vulnerable to bleeding. At 8 healing prayer, Mending will give +3 health regeneration. For most of the enemies, SeverArtery/Gash/Final Thrust will do very nicely. Shield Bash if a melee foe is doing a high damage melee skill, and Deadly Riposte as you see fit.

When fighting large melee mob (5-6), try Shield Bash + Deadly Riposte + Healing Breeze and immediately use Bonetti's Defense for the blocking. This should give back all the energy you've used, and you will be still using normal attack for those 9 seconds. With Healing Breeze and Mending, you should be healing up fairly quickly.

Ditch Deadly Riposte and Shield Bash if the enemies are mainly ranged/caster. Those skills are worthless against range.

In other situation, consider the following skills:
Savage Slash - Anti-Caster
Galrash Slash - for foes with no flesh (no bleeding)
Balthazar's Spirit - +Adrenaline and Energy if hit, could substitute Bonetti's defense/Deadly Riposte/Shield Bash.
Pure Strike - Could substitute Shield Bash or Deadly Riposte. It uses energy instead of adrenaline.
Sprint - If you are just making a run to a new town.
Rebirth - If playing in party.
Endure Pain - Extra Health for a period of time. Go up to 200+ health depending on your strength.
Healing Signet - Heal for around 100 Health at high tactic. Takes double damage while casting. Could sub for Healing Breeze.

As for weapon, 15-22 is max. I personally like Wingblade (Looks the same as a Butterfly Sword), but most prefer Fiery Dragon Sword (Prince Rurik's sword). Fiery Dragon Sword naturally deals Fire instead of Physical Damage. Brute Sword doesn't look half bad if you're into those giant cutter swords. For shield, look for +health or Reduce damage while attacking or (anything) while enchanted, since you will be enchanted for the most parts.