Yes, swords are the way of the tanking warrior. Hammers are the way of the damage/knockdown warrior. Axes are the way of the condition-warrior (guys that are expert at bleeding, deep wounds, etc.).
Swords do crap-all damage at higher levels, but then that goes for most weapons. But you can equip a shield, and with come a few defensive stance that are very useful for good tanking. Also, swords have a few great skills that "block" an attack and deal a good amount of damage instead (riposte & deadly riposte).
I say that until you get to the later levels, it doesn't really matter what weapon you choose. But for the later PVE fighting, it's probably best to go with swords. For PVP, hammers or Axes are a better choice. (Hammers especially, knocking down enemy monks and eles is the way to go in PVP).
Check my counter-punch tank in the character builds thread if ya like...that'll give you an idea of what type of warrior I am at hi-lvl PVE'ing. There are links to all the skills too.
And without boasting, it's a great tanking char. Pev can testify that I can last a long time on my own, given the right circumstances. And pwn bosses. 
Erh, anyway, if you got more questions, shoot. Warriors ftw! Even if I mist say I'm really digging my ele/mes....so many options!