I can understand wanting to do things your way. I'm a bit stubborn, although not as much as I used to be. I think you just came on a little strong on your first post on this thread. I totally understand that sometimes what you say or type, isn't exactly how it could be taken by people overhearing or reading. I'm bad for that myself. I can't add much to what has been said, just repeat that others here have been where you are, and are where you are. There are members here that have been shaving for their entire lives, and there are members that haven't received or even ordered their first straight razor yet. The ones who can, teach and guide. The others like myself try to soak up the information they give out so that we are not starting from scratch and we end up enjoying our hobby more than just the dreaded yet needed (in some cases) chore it was before. Keep in mind that you didn't mention you had already ordered and shaved with a shave ready straight on your first post. That alone could mislead our view of you.

Basically I want to applaude that you have drive, but please keep in mind some starting out may never hone in their life. A service from someone like gssixgun, or in my case Maxi, is only part of the cost of one hone, let alone an entire set of stones. No one NEEDS to buy a hone, but many of us, myself included, want to learn. If someone wants to learn, a Norton 4/8 is suggested, just because it is relatively inexpensive, consistent and for some people is all they need to hone their own razors. Also many people have them, so they can give advice based on working with that hone. Then that person can go from there and decide what else they want, if anything. I'm just using that as an example. Some people prefer and/or started with natural stones. some may have unlimited funds and they are not worried what it will cost, but others are going to a straight razor to try and spend less than they have to for replacement blades.