If you have a right to defend yourself from harm, it’s smart to be prepared. That means carrying a self defense weapon that is easy to use and non-lethal (you don’t want to put someone six feet under just for protecting yourself). The best weapons for self defense are packable, discreet, and effective. You’ll also need to train on a daily basis with these tools so you can arm yourself quickly and easily in the event of a threat.

While firearms are the most potent self-defense weapons available, they’re not always practical or legal to carry in certain situations. They’re not typically used in cases of simple physical self-defense, where you’re trying to fend off an assailant by using force.

When it comes to lethal force, the law outlines three prongs of self-defense: (1) you had to reasonably fear for your life or serious bodily injury; (2) the use of deadly force was necessary to prevent that danger; and (3) you couldn’t have used less-lethal means to protect yourself. Depending on the situation, you might need to rely on your wits or the power of your hands to defend yourself. That’s why some people opt for a less-lethal self defense tool like a stun gun or a pepper spray.

Pepper spray is one of the most popular weapons for self defense because it’s cheap, easy to use, and effective. The key to pepper spray is that it burns every pore of the skin that it touches, so even a healthy person will struggle to breathe and move their arms. There are a number of different types of pepper spray, and some have additional features like a flashlight or emergency glass-breaker bezel to make them even more useful.

Another easy-to-use and effective non-lethal self defense weapon is a stun gun, which is similar to a Taser. These devices deliver a high-voltage shock to stun an attacker and can also emit a painful screech that can deter or confuse your assailant. Some of these products have the appearance of pens or knives, so they might not be immediately recognizable as weapons by an untrained eye.

Knives are another common self defense tool that can be incredibly effective in the hands of a trained user. However, they can also cause injury to the attacker or their loved ones if used incorrectly. In addition, knives require you to be very close to your attacker. As such, they’re not a good choice if you’re trying to fend off a large attacker from a distance.

Some self defense weapons require training, permits or licenses to purchase, and are illegal in some locations. It’s always important to familiarize yourself with local and national laws before purchasing, carrying or using a self-defense weapon. Ignorance of the law is not an acceptable excuse, and you could face severe penalties for illegal possession or use. If you’re not sure whether a specific weapon is legal in your area, be sure to consult a lawyer for clarification.