Protection without killing.?

I live in NYC and live around retards and confused poeple. Whats the best way to protect myself without killing or using lethal force. I'd love to use br knuckles but they are illegal. Unfortunately my pride is in the wrong place and I don't want pepper spray unless its a last resort. Tazers are staring to be ineffective. I am not old so carrying a cane is pointless. Anything I can do to defend myself against the jackes that roam the streets.