I'm a 32 Monk ATM, and my current weapon set up are two handcrafted Batons. I like batons, because they attack fast, and they do decent damage, which means you can attack during the recast period. I normally get off one-two attack between each of my abilities, and that's when I recast as much as I can.
Really, it doesn't matter what you use. It all depends on your playstyle if you get handcrafted weapons. If you like High Damage, High Delay, go for the cestii. If you like the opposite, go for fistwraps or batons. Those are 1.4-1.5 delay. Dual Wielding allows you to attack twice, and have the possibility of 2, 1, or 0 hitting. However, if you have a dual hander, you only attack and have a 50% chance of hitting, lowering your DPS if you miss often.
However, once you reach the higher levels, there are some very nice 2 handed staves out there that any Monk or Bruiser would enjoy. For instance, I have a Branch of the Treefolke waiting for me in my bank for when I hit 35, which is 20-100 some odd damage and 1.7 delay. Very nice weapon for someone, especially with the added AGI and STR bonuses. I don't tank often, but I find if you use dual weilders, you do get to riposte more (Like Jerhico said), and that increases your chance.
Another thing, if you guys decide to go Monk subclass, once you hit 32, you get a nice Haste (especially if you upgrade - at 32, I got App4 and does 29% haste - Add that with Alacrity and you're ready to go
), so you can afford to use those high damage high delay weapons if you want. Not sure if the bruisers have a similar haste spell or not, so I won't assume they do.