First post, so hello everyone.

Bit of background. I have been shaving with a DE for the past few years and I am now moving to a straight. I have ordered a Wapienica which will come honed and stropped, together with a Dovo leather strop. I have been doing quite a bit of reading on this and other forums and I have a query regarding honing and what my options are.

Based upon what I have read, stropping before each shave will mean my razor could be good for in the region of 20 - 30 shaves. After this, the edge will become dull and it will need honing. Now I believe there are a number of options open to me, send it off and get someone to hone it for me, or do it myself. I prefer to make life awkward, so I shall try to hone it myself.

I am aware of honing pastes and paddle strops and the use of them appears to prolong the length of time before honing is required. Am I correct in thinking, that even if I use honing pastes, the razor will still need to be honed on a stone?

If so, it looks like a Norton 4000/8000 or perhaps a Belgian stone would be suitable. It appears that in the world of straight shaving there are a few honemiesters and then there are mere mortals. Do most guys do their own honing and if so, is it possible (with a bit of practice) to get the blade suitably sharp? Is it worthwhile getting the razor honed by a 'pro' once a year? Finally, if everything goes well, the Wapi will be replaced in time with a Dovo, but in the interim, is it worth buying a cheap old straight from eBay to practice honing so as not to ruin the Wapi blade.

I thank you for your time and welcome your responses.