I'd be bringing back chain mail or something too. Bite on that *******
There is another series of books where they made coats of old wall to wall carpet. Nothing could bite thru that!
I think a standard machete with a lanyard from the handle and around your wrist would be the must have weak hand weapon. Small cal. Pistol for the strong hand. I'd go with 9mm just for mag cap. and ammo availability.