Think of it this way.
a 24/17 1 hander that is sk/pal only is dropped to 12/17. A ranger picks it up, its 12/17.
You add a bit in code that doubles the damage when a knight picks it up, it's back to 24/17.
On the other hand, you have, say, a 10/18 1 hander that is rng/war/brd/rg.
They pick it...