The first thing that you should carry is the Vote. The second thing that you should carry is the Voice to get out the Vote, and the third thing that you should carry is the Thought of Why, you can't carry a Gun (or any other weapon).
As in, you should get with people your age, 18 to 20, to demand that they have the same Rights as everyone else. Why is it that when you turn 21 you become more responsible? Nothing, it's just a line drawn in the sand to make you do as others say. You can join the Military at 18, shoot, train on, and have fun with fully auto's, M9's, and even M-60's, tanks, etc.. but when you're not on duty, you can't own nothing without permission. Really should make one think huh... you can have a job with the most powerful weapons on the face of the planet but you can't own a simple handgun or carry for protection.
Honestly, at your point in time, I cannot really say what you should carry or what you should do for your own protection. In the eyes of society you can have a job that can be very dangerous and have the weapons to protect yourself but when you're off duty, you're a kid. This is something that your generation has to fight for, and for your generation to teach to those coming up behind you. We've tried, it seems that your generation doesn't want to actually vote and make your voices heard and then most ask what they can do until (they reach 21).
Good luck on your endeaver. I, for one, wouldn't trust a stick of wood, a seasoning, or some sort of "alternate" fighting tool for my protection. And just because I'm "allowed" to be able to buy and own the best tools for protection isn't a factor, because you should be able to do the same. But, you've allowed yourself to be disarmed because "daddy government" told you so.
Again, good luck.
Wayne
*sorry for the rant, but if 18 to 20 year olds keep on asking what they should do, yet do nothing to get "adult" Rights, then I really can't help them out.