Thread: I need honing help!

Welcome james,
I suggest getting familiar with the library, especially these pages:

Buying a Beginners set, on a Budget
Buying a beginner's set on a budget - Straight Razor Place Library

Beginners Guide to Honing:
Beginner's Guide to Honing - Straight Razor Place Library

Secondly, watch everything you can find on YouTube especially by Lynn Abrams and GSSixGun in reference to honing or maintaining a razor.

I'm rather new to this too, but here are my thoughts on your questions,
1. That is the million dollar question, options are almost limitless. I personally started with a Norton 4/8k stone, Norton flattening and a couple pasted strops. But depending on your goals (maintain shave ready edges, restore antique store finds ...etc) you may make different choices.
2. Depends on the stone. Personally, I found my honing improved greatly when I stopped counting and started using the feel of the razor on the stone and frequent testing.
3. Yes, you will want to strop after honing. I find it improves the comfort even off a pasted strop.
4. You can maintain a razor on a norton 4/8k, one of a number of finishing stones, and/or pasted strops. It boils down to preference, but the options and combinations are pretty numerous.