You're making it more difficult by trying to learn two different skills at the same time, honing and using an str8.
Either have your razor profesionally honed or buy a vintage one shave-ready, this way you can concentrate on your shaving technique.
I'm trying to learn both myself, but I have a DOVO Shavette and a shave-ready Wapi, while I play with the hone and another Wapi.