Since you ordered from srd the razor will be honed and shave ready when you get it. For the first few months all you will need to do is strop it before each shave. You want need the paste on the strop for the first few months. Read all the info on shaving on here and take your time learning the curves of your face. Also read up on stroping and learn good technique it can make a big difference on your shave. Just be patient and enjoy the rewards of learning to shave with a str8. Good choice on the razor you selected and it sounds like you are on a good track just don't get in to big of a hurry. Sometimes the excitement gets the better of you and you try to move on to the next step to fast all thing will come to you in time. Hope to hear about your first shave and remember their is always someone on here to help with just about any question you have and alot of useful knowledge on he already.