My goal is supposed to be simple: I just want to own a few razors, keep them sharp, and enjoy a good shave everyday.

So I ordered a pre-honed razor so I can learn to shave right away while I figure out the rest of the stuff. Strops and paste will keep me going for a while but I'll need a hone or two. Ok, I can do that. Oh the stones need to be lapped? Ok. I can do that to. Then I read the other day someone saying that I might need to find some scrap metal to break in the lapping diamond plate! Is this for real?

I need the scrap metal that laps the diamond plate that laps the hone that sharpens the razor that I strop and then shave with ! Gees! :-)