practical knife for self defense

i've got a co-worker who has been having problems with a guy, nothing that can be called dangerous or even stalking, of course...at least, that's how the authorities see it. however, i have serious concerns. he's definitely not right in the head, and reminds me of a cross between hannibal lechter and a wolf sizing up a lamb at the edge of a herd of sheep. he has approached and propositioned her several times in spite of her very clear attempts to get the point across that she is not interested.

i would prefer that she have a means of defending herself rather than wait for something to happen before the police can act on it. a handgun/pistol is not a realistic option for several reasons, the main (but not the only) one being that she is not quite 18 yet (yes, this guy IS that stupid).

training in martial arts would be the best choice, of course, but since we don't have a martial arts board, does anyone out there care to recommend a knife that she might think about for self-defense? something to either use to scare a potential attacker away, or, more imprtantly, actually be able to use in the event that it must be used?

i have heard of very-thin bladed knives, stilletos, really, that are whippy enough to be slipped under a belt, but stong enough to perform. i was thinking of a knife that could be worn in a sheath on her ankle or something. or perhaps in the small of her back. i don't suppose a ka-bar would be practical, but there's gotta be something out there.

nh - it was, and it was obviously (and unfortunately) successful.

steely - good suggestion. i think i might just go with that.

max - no, this isn't a trick question.

kp - i read you loud and clear on the skills of knife fighting. the asshole looks like the type to wilt at the least bit of resistance, and is only brave when he thinks his "victim" is helpless.

update on the situation - it looks like he has gotten himself fired over the latest incident (which was flat-out sexual harassment). as i just said, he is a pretty weak sister once his fangs have been pulled, so this will probably be the end of it. i will keep all informed......

Tasunk;

Unfortunately, she's going to need to be aware for the next coupla years.  This geek sounds exactly like the type that  waits for anniversery dates when enough time has passed that the supposedly helpless victim has forgotten all about him (it).

It's also unfortunate that all too often, the delay tactic works.  I sincerely hope that she gets some solid instruction on self defence & situational awareness.  Either that or her big brother takes him out and teaches him manners.

900F

Ron and Company--

I like Kingpin's take on the issue.  A lot.  I'm going to sound like some sort of curmudgeon here, but I agree with Col. Jeff Cooper's assertion that we do indeed live in The Age Of The Wimp.  One of the side effects of this generalized societal weakness is the perception on the part of cretins like stalkers and their ilk that their invasions of privacy and decency will not be effectively countered.  In my 25+ years in this business, I have seen cases like this skyrocket in numbers.

Why izzat?  EASY--predators like this feel comfortable pulling these shenanigans in our societal environment--because very few of them have big brothers or cousins or friends of their victims kick their asses, out of fear of legal ramifications. 

Solutions?  Well, Kingpin's answer has style and class and street justice elements that recommend it highly.  While I cannot professionally recommend such an approach, seeing a stalker get his ass soundly kicked earns the silent approval of cops every time.  Most of us got into this bizness because of our disgust with bullies and their depredations.  One such case I had in 1995 ultimately ended up with the violent stalker getting 4 of 6 hollow-points installed in his mainframe by the victim via Dad's K-38 when he attacked her in her parents' home.  Predator dead, victim finally safe from his attacks.  A win/win. 

The long term solution is for victims of such depredations to take charge of their own environment, and that is the advice I give to victims of such crimes.  ZERO TOLERANCE for EVERY such incursion, and the mindset to protect one's self at any level of attack.  Often, when a victim enrolls in an Aikido class or visits a pistol range, the effects of simply taking those steps has a transformational outcome on both the victim and the suspect.  Victims need to make themselves less attractive as victims, basically--stop acting like a victim and start acting like a viable adversary.  These cretins are basically bullies, and all a bully needs is periodic ass kickings to keep them at a respectful distance.

Hey Ron and Kingpin, ill bring my freind Louisville Slugger along for the party!  Can my hunting knife come along too so i can have my first lesson?

NH_Hunter

NH,

I have had the unfortunate exp. of being in a number of street fights growing up in  the "Slumburbs of Detroit"

I will give you a couple points to insure your life.

Throwing a knife of any kind is committing suicide. Its not like in the movies. First of all you are giving up a VERY valuable weapon. Second, odds are you will not cause fatal or even serious damage. Just to give you an Idea, next time you harvest an animal, be it pig or deer, stand 10 ft away and throw your best knife at it. You will be surprised at the lack of penetration. Trust me, it is a much better weapon in your hand. It ALWAYS works in the movies, but real life is much diff.