I had been trying for weeks to get a brand new razor (Solingen Black Handled Straight Razor) shave-ready, to no avail. I had actually begun to think it was the quality of the razor itself, since it's not marked by any particular manufacturer. This morning I thought I'd try a different approach, and finally had a little success.

My equipment:
Norton 4k/8k combo
Thiers Issard 4-sided paddle strop
Newspaper stop
A truly shave-ready razor, purchased from the classifieds here (for reference, a must!)

First, I added a single layer of electrical tape to the spine. Since I had been honing this thing for a while, I knew there was a chance it was way over-honed, so I started with 10 laps back-honing on the 4k. After that, single layer of tape still on, I did a full pyramid, as suggested here Norton Pyramid Honing Guide - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Next, I added a second micro-bevel. I'm in no place to argue its merits just yet, since I'm just starting out. I will say, however, that it was simple to try out, and it seems to have worked for me. I added 3 more layers of tape (total of 4), and since I don't have a finishing stone yet, I brought it back to the Norton (3 - 4k, 5 - 8k, 1 - 4k, 5 - 8k; total of 4 on the 4k and 10 on the 8k).

From there, I did 600 laps on newspaper. That's right, 600 laps. I read that the paper/ink will get worn after about 200 laps (even though not visibly), so I ended up using 3 sheets in all.

Lastly, 100 laps on leather. It passed an HHT, so I lathered up a cheek and gave it a test shave. Here's where it gets interesting; I made a single pass, but since it didn't make a sound or cause any sensation on my skin, I didn't believe it worked until I touched my face.

This was the first time I made it though my chin and neck without changing razors. I can't even begin to describe how pleased I am; now I'm sure that this is a sustainable practice for me, and I look forward to getting better and better at this as I go.

The best advice I can give to someone just starting out like me, is that you're not going to "get it" right away. Your first couple of shaves, and probably the first few times you try to hone a razor, are going to suck. Listen to the advice from the senior members of this forum, and try to come up with an amusing story as to why your face looks like hamburger. I told my girlfriend I picked her a rose with my teeth...