Thanks guys! I read about the 6/8 wide is good for beginners, as with a half-hollow grind adn rounded point, are these two things something I should actually worry about, or just focus on the 6/8 size?

I also know that he might take it to an expert honer the first couple times it needs to be resharpened, but after that, he'd be doing it all. Is the idea of the beginner 6/8 ok for this?

Unfortunately, my budget is on the cheap side right now and I'm not able to go over $100. I'll check out the classifieds and see what's there, new or vintage is not a major factor right now.