Improvised weapons and Dex

[Ol'Nejj]

As a fighter, is there a way to utilize a dex build and use improvised weapons? I am really not concerned about damage, I'm more focused on combat maneuvers and the ability to create creative fight interactions via imp. weapons. We are using unchained inherent bonuses so that should help somewhat. I am looking at the Cad as my primary choice with lore warden or free-hand as a close second.

[My Self]

Improvised weapons don't have all the other fun little abilities that some regular weapons do. (read: trip property) However, if it's a light weapon, you can still weapon finesse it.

There's really not all that much support for combat maneuvers with improvised weapons on a dex build, but it shouldn't be too different than doing combat maneuvers with normal weapons on a dex build. Be warned- you'll be eating a lot more feats than you have to do this. Consider that Brawler will give you a lot of the prereqs and make you good at unarmed combat, though it doesn't have as many feats.

[Rennaivx]

It'll mean some negotiating with your GM on which improvised weapons can be considered light, too, although it's the sort of debate that's not hard to resolve. There's just no hard and fast preset rules.

[blackbloodtroll]

Well, you could flavor Dirty Tricks with uses of improvised weapons.

If you are okay with a Wis/Dex build, you could go Monk of the Empty Hand, and nab the Ki Diversity feat to use Wisdom for your attacks.

[Wolin]

Obviously Agile Manoeuvres is going to be your friend with combat manoeuvres and a dex build.

Using improvised weapons for dirty tricks is great fun. I had a character like that myself. I 'custom made' special items for various tricks, which you should see if you can do. Improvised weapon specialists benefit a lot from variety, so getting yourself a big bag of holding/handy haversack so you can stuff everything in is important.

Also, bear traps are super cheap! Buy tons of bear traps and attach them to everything! Assassin is also a fun prestige class for improvised weapon fighters.

Here are some things I've used for this:

Ladder - Good for trips, entangling and repositions
Cauldron with bear trap welded to the inside - slam it on the head for a nice blind dirty trick
Collapsible table - Not only can it function as a good shield, but nice for bull rushes. Fun with added bear traps.
Bear trap fishing pole - Long range drags, or potentially grapples. Or you could just use a grappling hook
Battle chair - Chair with bear traps/swords strapped to each leg.
Mithral Waffle Iron - just because it exists. Good for disarms and making waffles.
Acid Mop - A big fluffy mop with a vial of acid in the base. Smash the vial, mop their eyes with the acid. Cleans floors well too.