Baloney.
Whoever wielded it did not have power because he wielded it.
It's power was not in its ownership...it was in its killing.
If it were owned by a fat old Laird...who could barely pick it up.
It would have no power.
The warrior who used it was powerful because he was effective.
There's the power...and the value of this weapon.
After Conan seeks out the group that murdered his people, Doom explains to him, "Steel isn't strong, boy. Flesh is stronger. Look around you." Thulsa motions to some of the thousands of followers surrounding his mountain who worship him as the mouthpiece of God. He points up to the top of a cliff, "There, on the rocks, that beautiful girl." He motions to the girl, "Come to me, my child." The girl steps off the cliff and falls to her death. "That is strength, boy. That is power: the strength and power of flesh. What is steel compared to the hand that wields it? Look at the strength of your body, the desire in your heart. I give you this ...such a waste. Contemplate this on the tree of woe. Crucify him."
“it was in its killing.”
Nah, merely having one would cause everyone to treat you differently. It does not take actual killing for the sword to have power.