Glad you're settling in and enjoying your shaving jr57. I was lucky enough when I started to meet up with a honemeister who lives pretty close to me. After an hour with him, I decided I'd try to hone my own razors. I bought a set of Naniwas. I feel I get a superb edge on my razors, but just maybe a honemeister would achieve an edge even better. My edges shave great, no discomfort, no burn. Since you've already got your stones, then give it a go. If you find that you're not achieving great results, then you can send razors out. You've got nothing to lose. Buy a lighted loupe from EBay. They're only a couple of quid and they're ideal for checking your edges during your progression up through the stones/grits. It'll take out some guess work. Another issue is whether or not to tape the spine. Some do. Some don't. I do. As with all matters on here, YMMV. Different strokes for different folks! The end result is what matters - your shave. Good luck.