User blog comment:CNBA3/Giving weapons to followers?/@comment-4889310-20140821201428

Followers can equip weaponry, jewelry, and have their own special item slots for them.

The Templar can only make use of one-handed swords, axes, spears, and daggers, but can equip a shield as well, and he can make use of special Relics.

The Scoundrel can only use (Cross)Bows, and thus, is better off from afar. In return, though, he gets to have special Tokens that help him in combat

The Enchantress specializes in two-handed swords, axes, maces, and staves, but she can use the one-handed versions, if any, along with spears. She can draw some of her power from special Foci items.

None of them can dual wield, so don't bother trying that