I aint gonna go threw 7 pages to see if it was suggested already but My votes for a Buck 110 Folder. Basic single blade proven design. I wouldnt go for any form of sak in any brand for a first knife. The first knife should always be single blade as its more reliable and usefull as a knife in itself. A sak should be a second knife then a fixed blade as a third. Plus a Buck just has that classic old school look to it and makes a great item to pass down.