As I am getting set to making my first purchase, I definitely plan on having my very first straight razor honed by a honemeister (Tony or Lynn). After receiving all my equipment including the pre-honed straight, I will eventually need to sharpen the blade as time goes on.

1. Is it recommended to use a paddle strop with an abrasive to keep it sharp, or should the blade simply get honed each time the blade dulls?

2. I would love to learn how to hone and do my own rather than having to always send my razors out to be done by a honemeister - is this too ambitious of me, or is this reasonable to accomplish?

3. Should I purchase a hone with all my other equipment when I make my first purchase? If so, it seems like everyone recommends a Norton 4k/8k - is that right?

4. I know there are several factors, but on average, how often should honing be done - some places I have seen 2 to 4 times a year, other websites mention doing it approximately once a month.