I get mixed information. once someone contracted herpes simplex 1(cold sore virus) when will their first sore appear? will 2 weeks with no sore mean they're in the clear?

Many HSV1 infections never cause any outbreaks or other symptoms. When symptoms do occur, usually they begin 2-5 days after exposure, although on rare occasions it make take up to 3 weeks. (These data are for genital herpes. Most likely it's similar for HSV1 oral infection.)

A person may not develop any lesions. Not getting a sore in 2 weeks does not mean that you did not get infected. More than half the adults have been infected with HSV 1. For info: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/herpes-hsv1-and-hsv2/oral-herpes