Thanks for the welcoming responses, everyone.

Ben, I live only a couple of miles from a Woodcraft store, so I bought my hones there. I started with a Norton 4000/8000 then got a 12k chinese water stone, and then, just this week, picked up a 220/1000 Norton as well as a flattening stone. I'm putting the brakes on hone spending for now, but I can easily imagine more hones in my future.

Leighton, I may have to take advantage of proximity to pick your brain!

In the meantime, I'll keep working with what I have (maybe with a new strop, ooh, ooh, and maybe with a new old razor or two or three). I enjoy learning new skills, in spite of the occasional frustrations and aggravations. I also enjoy the meditative qualities associated with the requirements of honing and straight razor shaving.

So, thanks again, all. I'm glad I found this site!

-Steve