Everyone that has gotten into straight razor shaving inevitably gets involved with razor honing in one way or another. I see a lot of posts asking which hones are good beginner hones to start with. We have plenty of information on SRP regarding hones suitable for razors, however this information can be difficult to navigate sometimes. Let’s review some of the popular choices of hones and avenues that beginners should consider when getting into honing straight razors.
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Learn From My Mistakes

For my contribution to the beginners tips I thought I would go over some of my bad choices and some of the things I wish that I would have done differently. Maybe hearing of my mistakes and missteps will help you in your wet shaving.
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Over capitalisation
A lot of new members seem to dive in to this hobby head first, buying everything they can get their hands on, then try to learn everything at once, shaving, stropping, restoration (I question the use of this word in some circumstances), honing, building lather and then wonder why it isn't going too well.
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I'm up to bat to furnish the beginner's tip for February 2015. Looking at past tips, thinking of my years on this forum, I'm going to be philosophical rather than concrete.

There are quite a few acronyms seen in posts on SRP, but one of the most ubiquitous is YMMV. Indeed, in wet shaving, as in all facets of life 'your mileage may vary' from mine, and mine from yours.
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Many of us receive shaving gear as presents over the holiday season. And for the new shaver in this happy position the new year is a time for girding our loins, facing the mirror and putting an unprotected naked blade to our necks. Perhaps the most voiced (and probably the most unvoiced) concern I've seen here over the years from beginners is the one regarding cutting or nicking yourself and, more to the point, how to avoid it.
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I wanted to shave with the straight razor in my early twenties, but life got in the way and I did not start until my early sixties. When you start, then, does not matter as long as you do. Once you experience the pleasure of straight razor shaving, I doubt you’ll return to your old ways.

Whatever you do, don’t start on the cheap, because your results will reflect that. Every new venture has an initial cost and straight razor shaving is no different. Purchasing a low quality razor and strop to save a few extra dollars most likely will result in a cheap shave. It is also a waste of money, to me, anyway. Spend the money and give yourself a good start.

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