The first pocket knife I was ever given was a switchblade. Never carried it much outside of the property though. I guess I didn't really have a traditional pocket knife till some years later, ended up with a swiss army knife, rarely carried that, then a leatherman, then bought a cheapo folder, then a Sog Flash II, then went to an Emerson, lol.

Personally would say it going to depend on the kid to some degree. Know some I would be handing a knife sharp quality knife to, and others who I would be more inclined to get a mallet and a pair of pliers. That said, a knife that is sharp-ish, is better than a dull knife. Razor sharp might be a bad idea, depending. But sharp enough to cut well, but not remove fingers would be about what I would be looking for in a knife for a kid. If it is dull I could see it creating too many bad habits and them losing respect of the danger of the tool.