Creating boss weapons - is upgrading required?

[bizarro13]

I'm late to the Dark Souls party. I'm nearing the end of my play through and I'm curious. Everything I've read says I'm supposed to upgrade weapons to +10 in order to create the boss weapon. Well, I know I didn't do that for the Lifehunt Scythe and I can't even upgrade my catalysts yet I still have the ability to create the Tin Darkmoon Catalyst.

Is upgrading not required or is this something that might screw up getting the all weapons achievement?

[o0ArA0o]

In fact, you had to do a +10 Upgrade on any whip, halberd or Scyte in order to craft the Lifehunt Scythe.
The Darkmoon Catalyst is the only weapon where you dont need to upgrade your base weapon. For all the other weapons you need a +10weapon and the Boss Soul.

http://darksoulswiki.wikispaces.com/Upgrades
Scroll down to the bottom, there are all requirements.

[bizarro13]

Maybe I just don't remember doing it. Weird. So only the catalyst does not require the upgrades?

[lordrex217]

Originally Posted by bizarro13

Maybe I just don't remember doing it. Weird. So only the catalyst does not require the upgrades?

Correct. The catalyst can't be upgraded, so it is ready to be upgraded with the boss soul.