Great advice. The collective wisdom of The Yard is an excellent resource. I can tell others have thought about this much more thoroughly than I have.

I'm leaning towards a less expensive blade that I would not mind losing, small enough for him to handle, but still solid.

Right now, the ratchet is at the top of the list because it is short, not pointed and a beater. I would not freak-out if he lost it.

And you guys are right, it's the spending time with him that matters most. That's why I'm considering giving him a blade. We've been in the outdoors quite a bit and he seems ready for his first blade.

Thanks again for all the input. This place rocks.