My children got their first knives between 5 and 7, I don't remember exactly when. Their first knife was a Mora, plastic handle, with both a top and bottom guard. I don't seem them sold any more. The handle is a little on the small side. They're cheap, easy to sharpen, and have a decent sheath. I prefer fixed over folders, because folders can be difficult to open, can close on their hands if the user isn't careful, and rarely have any decent guard. Their first folders were Opinels. Opinels lock open and closed, and there's no spring to contend with. In the deserts of AZ, they're not likely to swell shut. Opines take a mean edge too.
I bought them inexpensive knives so they could use them without worry. They've picked up a few others over the years. I couldn't resist the Mora Companion F because it comes in bright colors. The boys got FFG Spyderco Delica 4s when they earned Tenderfoot. Their sister got a pink one when she earned her Girl Scout Bronze award. I generally don't allow them to take the Spydercos to camp. The youngest lost a CRKT Pazoda camping last year.
I don't have any Beckers set aside for them yet. My wife and I talked about one for our eldest's 8th grade graduation, but decided on something else. It's tough because most Boy Scout camps forbid fixed blades, and a lot of leaders do too. Don't get me started. I watched a knife safety lecture last year at scout camp and my head nearly exploded.
