Here's a link to a place that sells a toy model 3 years of age plus and also the, My First Swiss Army model, just a thought.
e.blade My daughters first knives are CRK&T fixed blades MPD's to be exact, they can look at and handle them when ever they want in my presence. I like a fixed blade for a starter, less for me to worry about.
As a rule in the Helle house you can use a table knife at the age of 5 if your using it responsibly, which is like mommy and daddy <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.
I have always told my girls if they ask I will let them hold any of my knives, but they are NEVER to touch any knife without daddy around.
When ever I'm using a knife in there presence I explain why I hold it this way, cut that way etc.
Unfortunately for me they have seen cut fingers, mine <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> and unfortunately for there mother they have watched grandpa and I skin and quarter whitetail. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
I felt this was a good way for them to understand what a sharp edge can do to flesh, this was not a forced exercise and amount of questions they asked was, I'll just say a lot.
When they get to the ages of 9 I will let them carry the MPD's on camping trips and the like with the understanding that if not used with respect daddy will be carrying them.
At this time since we live in the suburbs I don't think I'll let them personally posses any knives until after high school, with the exception of weekends and after school as long as they won't be at a school sponsored activity.
It's a crock of crap in my opinion but any knife will get you expelled period from school around here, not suspended but expelled <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> and I just can't see taking the risk but my daughters are only 6 and 4 now so I have time to change my mind I guess.
This is just the way I have been doing it with my kids, if any of it helps you out great.
Helle