Ok, here I go once again
As a former meat cutter I'll tell you the straight up Truth! That truth is that Sharpening a Knife and Honing a Razor is as different as Black and White/Night and Day!
If your buddy isn't doing his own honing and the razors need work--PLEASE, PLEASE send them out to someone who knows what they are doing.
For one thing, once the time comes (I recommend waiting at least a year after starting/just ask Razorfeld) then you will have something to compare your edges to.
In my opinion, the worst thing someone new to this age old art can 'try' to do is to try to learn Everything at Once. They need to learn how to 'Properly' lather, 'Properly' Strop and of course 'Properly' Shave.
If pinklather will join in here, he'll tell you the exact same thing as he speaks from experience. (how do you think he came up with his screen name)? Want a 'hint' what do you think you get when you mix blood with white lather.
As I always like to say, it's a long strange trip but it's well worth the journey!