Giving pets weapons does not help them in any way, except after you get the 29 pet where you need to give them 2 weapons to to dual wield, or if the weapon has a proc.
list man! a lvl 12 necro pet hits for about 10-12 with its hands k, with this weapon equiped it does 14-16 for my pet and it is pretty quick, about as quick as hands now cuz' it seems like my lvl 12 pet (convoke shadow) has learned double attack, so i like when i forage it, better then giving him a rusty which i can usualy sell for abour 1gp(hey, i need money, i'm a necromancer, i buy spells)
Xarkaru Storm Legion Necromancer of the 13th circle Bretoxxoulus
It is foraged, so you have a spare weapon (beats H2H), or you can give it to a necro pet. Merchants won't buy it. Simply use it, or give it away.
Merchant inside building, near the gate, sells a dagger (looks like throwing knife, but not stackable) for a few silver with stats of 3dmg / 22 delay. Necro should buy it to use, and give this to your pet. All others should see this as a free, ranged weapon.