I don't think you're doing anything wrong. I would stongly recommend you get the essentials quickly though. It's one thing reading, but just getting on and doing it will answer a lot of questions and present more that are unique to you.

As for hones, it's not a difficult process at all. The difficult thing is choosing which path is right for you, it's basically subjective. I went with natural stones and will stick with them.

I notice, also, that you haven't mentioned beard prep of any kind. Absolutely essential.