I'm getting into honing slowly. Let's see. I have been shaving with a straight for about four months now. So not that long but I am learning everything in good stride. I have a razor that has been professionally honed to serve as a benchmark. I also have a TI which did not need to be touched at all. I mean it shaved awesome right out of the box. I am sure that my technique evolved to the point where the TI was worth a damn. However, the TI served as another benchmark. I also purchased some antique razors. One has been my practice razor for restoration and honing. This weekend I think I finally got it where I want it. But if I ruined it; I will not be upset. So HAD sunk in a week ago. I have 12k natural, Norton 4k/8k combo and this weekend I purchased 1k natural stone. I am sure I will get more but for now my HAD has beed quenched. I am really glad I got the 12k for maintenance. I guess this others I did not really need. Well, you have to learn sometime. So get a razor that will hold an edge to learn from. I guess just test it on you arm hairs. Anyway, my .02 cents. I have had some bumps along the way, literally I had a few razor bumps. There have been a lot of frustrations. I will say I would not have done this if I knew it were going to be easy.