Trying to create the son of a blacksmith who wields a magic sword to avenge his father. Any tips? Thinking between forge cleric or artificer into fighter or something.

Yes, the concept in question is Chihiro Rokuhira from Kagurabachi.

As the son of a smith who creates magical super-swords, I think that being a forge cleric or artificer is too much flavor to pass up. However, I'm having trouble deciding what I want the rest of my classes to be, for optimization.

Hexblade would be really attractive, but doesn't seem to fit with the Forge Cleric/Artificer bit.

I don't think I want straight cleric or artificer. Battle-smith artificer is nice and does get extra attack, which is attractive, but I don't like its features beyond level 5, and that's only because of extra attack. Then again, it's not like I've ever played battle-smith so feel free to change my mind. It also doesn't fit my image of katana-wielder, to be honest. Cleric is out simply because although being a tank is cool, this character is supposed to fulfil a more melee damage-dealing fantasy (in my head).

Cleric/Ranger seems the most promising as Chihiro does summon companions on the regular. However, I've never played ranger before. How viable is a melee one? Also, is forge cleric multiclassable into ranger, isn't it typically nature cleric?

If anyone can give me more suggestion/input it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!