Shields! The guides and even any videos I have watched don't seem to stress it enough, but just like IRL, a shield is almost as important as your weapon. I was very frustrated before I realized this. That crude shield will block so much damage you should always carry 1 in your inventory. Keep enemies in front of you and you can just hack through them. You can even keep the shield in your offhand while you use a bow or throw spears.
Also make improvised armor. It is crap and it breaks constantly, but between that and the shield you just might survive a wolf attack.
As Thorfinn mentioned early on spears are awesome. Don't bother with the club. After a knife, the next thing I make is a spear and I usually carry 3 until I get a bow. Speaking of, hunter is awesome and if you are playing as one (or disabled class specific recipes) you should make a crude bow and a stack of crude flint arrows ASAP. The damage may suck, but if you stay mobile and use your shield you can take out wolves. It really turns you from hunted to hunter. Most game is too fast for you to melee.
