Howdy! (Texan transplanted to NYC)

Just got into wetshaving. The internet told me to go to Pasteurs and get a Merkur HD, blade samples, soap samples, inexpensive boar brush, so that's what I did. I'm still trying the different combinations of things. I think NYC water seems to make Mitchell's Wool Fat fairly easy to lather because there is no other way I could possibly have an easier time of it than all the people on the internet who complain about it.

I'm 4 shaves in and all the reading inevitably leads me to straight razors.

Still collecting information, but the biggest thing that worries me is the honing. Before my first attempt, I will definitely send my razor to SRD for honing if they don't happen to have a razor I want in stock, but I'm trying to get an idea on how to handle it moving forward. It's still early days so I don't really want to get into honing just yet. At least until I can reliably distinguish a good honing job from the others. I've read other threads on the subject, but wanted to bring it up again since I noticed New York Shaving Company offers a honing service, but I can't seem to find anyone who has written that they have actually tried it.

Can anyone offer an opinion on NY shaving companies honing service?

Otherwise, please recommend an alternative. I don't have a car, so I'm really looking for a place in the city if that exists.