lvl requirements for items

i have a sword that req level 12 swordsmanship.. but i only have level 11.. how come i can still use the sword?

You can use any weapon even if you are below the suggested requirement. However, whatever attribution it needs a requirement for and you don't meet it, it'll make the weapon much less effective.

Like if your sword is 15-20 damage but requires 12 strength and you only have 11, you won't be able to do that 15-20 damage until you get your strength up to 12.