Hello, eagentebuddy:

Allow me to make a suggestion. If you are just starting out with straight razor shaving, please stop what you are doing with the hones and send the razor out to be honed professionally. Honing takes time to learn, which you will with practice. For now, you need a sharp razor. Also, you could damage the razor. By having that first one honed professionally you'll have something for comparison.

Regards,
Obie