Good advice here. Like you, I have large hands and a light beard. Regarding size I would avoid anything under 5/8. I have a 4/8 and a 9/16 and they just feel a little too small in my hands. I would get a round point to avoid nicking yourself. At first I would avoid wide full hollow blades like 13/16 and wider. For me at least the full hollow blades can have a little more pulling and tugging. As far as soap is concerned, read the reviews here and you will quickly see there are many good ones. There are many I like, such as Mama Bears, DR Harris, Art of shaving, Trufitt and Hill. Remember, it takes time. Practice and don't quit. It may take a few months to get straight shaving down right.