A few questioons about my character, weapons and armor...

Black Iron & Giants are both good high physical armors. You also don't need to wear every piece in order for it to be effective. If you're looking for a high strength build you probably shouldn't invest much into Astoria Straight Sword & Quelaag fury sword. Also any of the other spear types would be more useful than a lightning spear if you're willing to upgrade them. Spears have the shortest range & weakest attack out of all the spears. Since you don't like Greatswords or Axes you probably won't like hammer type weapons I'm assuming which is a shame really since you're limiting damage potential with a high strength build.

Since it seems like you like faster swinging weapons mite want to try upgrading a Partizan(longer reach than a spear plus better move set) or Winged Spear(Longer Reach & more damage than a spear) for a spear type weapon. Great Scythe is also a viable option for Halberds.

If you're willing to use hammers Mace, Pikeaxe, as well as any of the great hammers will do good damage.

Other weapons you should consider as a STRENGTH BUILD are Man-Serpent Greatsword(Greatsword) Demon Great Machete(Ultra Greatsword), Butcher Knife(Axe), Demon's Greataxe(Great Axe), & Black Knight Greataxe (Great Axe).

Note that you do have to invest in the weapons before they'll become highly effective.

the fury sword is a great weapon but more suited if your going to pump dex plus try to always have at least 10 humanity in your counter to get the extra damage points. If you like fast swinging weapons than I'd recommend the long sword or the dark sword but you're limited yourself if you want to invest in Strength. I'd use a claymore or manserpent sword both have good 2handed R1 swings and R2 on claymore is quite useful too. But if you truely like fast weapons I'd suggest the katanas or a falchion. I don't have much experience with spears so I can't really help there but the Dragon Slayer spear is quite good if you are going to pump faith

Great swords like the Gravelord Sword do a lot of damage and are useful against slower enemies but I use my Fire Uchi+10 a lot because it's fast and sometimes you need to be quick. At the end of the day it's all about your preferred play style. Bows are indispensable for ranged attacks and can save you a lot of grief because fighting some enemies toe to toe is a quick way to die.

Katanas are better suited for dex builds. Also a little farming goes a long way in making weapons that will benefit you in the long run. This is the main reason why I think any type of investment in the lightning spear is a waste. Chunks are allot harder to get when compared to shards.