Salutations!

I would like to attempt to answer question 2...

In my experience with shaving, that "cat's tongue" you hear is normal for the razor you have. Hollow grounds give noise feedback much more than wedge style. However, the repeated passes and irritation is not normal. Some causes of this problem may be hair growth direction (such as spirals), angle in which you are passing (WTG, XTG, or ATG), or razor condition. I myself have a Dovo honed by Lynn and it is one of my go-to blades.

As for your stance on waiting to hone, that is perfectly fine. By waiting you allow yourself more time to become more familiar with holding the razor, the amount of pressure it takes to move the blade. I never have done pasted stopping, but I do hone. It's up to you if you want to use them.

As for stropping leather, I just use 25 laps on cloth and 50 on leather. I would assume you would want to use the rougher leather first, but don't quote me on that...

Hope some of this helps!

Sincerely,
JackofDiamonds