It took me about 4 days to get to level 5, but i have a friend that i recomended the game to and it took him about 20 but he couldn't come on as often as i could.
Instead of making it the same shop, make it a pawn shop. :>! Put the knife, rags..Beef jerky as a attention getter. XD
I think they need more than just the knife to start out with maybe all of the things up to the shortsword, the first psitol, armored vest, and beef jerkey. They should also have access to the shack.