You are correct about the recuperation time; you can not get less than zero. IIRC two handed swords have a recuperation time of 10.
Daggers do not get a bonus from Sword Expertise. In general, even with Assassin's Kiss maxed (chance to double dagger's damage) you will do more damage with a sword. There are also many more potentially good swords consistently in the game than there are daggers. If you wish to roleplay the survivor character, though (or just want a bit more of a challenge) daggers are still a viable weapon (especially combined with Poison Weapon).
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