Hey everyone, I'm new to the whole straight razor process, and I'm really just wondering a couple things before I make a decent investment. I've already read the beginners section on here, so I have a pretty good idea of what I'm interested in, but am still left with a couple questions that you guys can hopefully answer.

1. Does using a properly prepared straight razor (a decent one, such as a mid-priced Dovo) really give a closer shave than, say, my current gillete fusion with its 5 blade system? I've tried to find a definite answer to that question, but it really seems to vary from person to person, so maybe it's not a question that can be answered properly without testing it out. Regardless, I'm curious to opinions because that's really my main reason for wanting to use a straight razor.

2. If I were to purchase a mid-priced Dovo, from a site like amazon, would I necessarily need to send it out to be professionally honed? Since it seems like most people purchase both a hone and strop, I wasn't sure whether I was to do all of the work myself, or have somebody else do it for me. In which case, would it even be necessary for me to purchase a hone since it seems like I can send it out when necessary?

I appreciate all the help in the matter, and hopefully soon I can join you guys in the league of people who love their straight razors.