Get him a simple mid-sized SAK with a large 2" blade, and a smaller 1.5" blade.

Give him some basic training on it slipping and folding on his fingers. Give him the standard speech about being responsible and careful. Then let his go and allow him to make his mistakes.

Yes, it will fold on his fingers when he tries to use it like a dagger, and he will try to use it like a dagger. Yes, his hand will slide onto the blade when he tries to stab something, and he will try to stab something. He is going to cut himself and he will hurt and bleed. But, he will learn.

Kids have always had to bleed a little to learn how to handle a knife. They pretty much have to bleed a little to learn to respect, but not fear, a knife. The good news is that most cuts tend to be small and require little more than a little soap and water and a band-aide.

You might want to give him the fist-aide training for minor cuts along with the basic warning. Wash with soap and water, dry, instal bandage, go back to work.