I have been researching and I get the impression that a 5/8 or 6/8 is more forgiving for a first timer. The 6/8 has more heft and the DE I bought a few weeks ago was the short heavy duty Murker 34 so I am leaning toward a 6/8. Is this valid and would there be other reasons to go heavier vs lighter or vice versa?

I haven't seen anything about length of the cutting surface, what implications could that have for a beginner? I did read the info on round points and think that is in my best interest.