York, UK sounds familiar; I think we have a member there and I think he's posted in the honing threads. Check our Google map under the Community drop-down and see who's close by.
I think the Dovo 6/8 will be an excellent first blade.
Watch for postings by Neil Smith, another UK member--his knowledge is encyclopedic and his writing is very good.
"These aren't the droids you're looking for." "These aren't the droids we're looking for." "He can go about his business." "You can go about your business."