Comparing "Transformative" with a Bladed Belt

[Messerschmit]

The Advanced Player's Guide introduces the "Transformative" Weapon Special Ability (priced at 10,000 gold, CL 10th, requiring Major Creation). Despite being able to transform weapons, "...at its wielder's command," you are restricted to staying within the weapon designation of the original item, (light, one-handed, etc...). You can change the weapon to any other weapon within the designation regardless of type.

Ultimate Equipment introduces the "Bladed Belt" (priced at 2,000 gold, CL 1st, requiring Magic Weapon). "On command, the belt's wearer can transform the belt into a single masterwork slashing and/or piercing melee weapon of her choice... Furthermore, the belt can be enchanted like a piercing and slashing melee weapon..." There doesn't appear to be a restriction on weapon type, designation, or size.

The Bladed Belt seems to be too advantageous for the price and requirements necessary to make. The spell "Major Creation" makes a lot more sense for the versatility of the "Transformative" ability than "Magic Weapon" for the Bladed Belt. It's also odd that the Belt, when transformed to a weapon merely counts as masterwork and not magic.

I've house-ruled the Belt out of campaigns. Is there a simpler solution?

[Barry Armstrong]

That last sentence holds the key. The Bladed Belt is treated like a Masterwork Weapon, not an enchanted magical one. It would do you no good against DR/Magic creatures unless enchanted per the text.

House Rule Option A: Drop the weapon special ability "Transformative" to 2000 and allow it to jump weapon groups.

House Rule Option B: Increase the price of Bladed Belt to 10,000 and require Major Creation, CL 10 to create one.

House Rule Option C: Bladed Belts do not exist unless you have an Urumi (or whatever that sword-whip-belt thing is from UE).

House Rule Option D: Transformative weapon property does not exist.

[Messerschmit]

Thanks, Barry. I'll offer these options to the players~

[Galnörag]

I was looking at this item today, but I think the control on the bladed belt that warrants its lower price is both the weapon is limited to slashing/piercing weapon types, and that it consumes a item slot that is important, the belt.

[thaX]

My sylph got one because she could not continue to carry the switchblade Scythe she had on her. (Those things weigh a ton!!)

It is also a nifty belt, something she has heard about but never had before. "Look, I have a belt on, it... uh... keeps my dress up? no, uh..."

[Dave Justus]

If the bladed belt takes up the belt slot, even when transformed (which I think you can make a really good argument for it doing) then it is much less attractive.