hmm i might be taking this a bit too serious, but:
I would choose something:
a) Sharp (cutting/stabbing slashing is easier than biting(which animals do), you don't need to put as much strenght as in a blunt weapon)
b) light(it is hard to swing 12 kilos of metal around for longer than an hour)
c) about 1.2 meters long (rather easy to manipulate, yet not hard to hit something)
OR
a)worn on knuckles (i at least have SOME experience in hand to hand fighting)
b) lighter than 7 kilos(same reason as abowe)
c) It should continiue after my palm, at least until elbow, for extra protection (like an iron plate there, extra weight is not as important here.)
d) with spikes or blades on each knuckle, most animal run away after feeling pain.
