Strop the razor before you take it to the hone! This makes sure that the fin is sticking out nice and straight before you start taking metal off, otherwise your first stroke on the hone will actually dull the razor a bit.

Chrome oxide and boron carbide can be purchased from Hand American (www.handamerican.com). I got mine in the little chapstick tubes, just rub it around on your strop then smear it out with your fingers.