Honing should be low on the leaning list for a beginner, stropping and shaving should be higher on the list. When you get ready for honing you can't go wrong with a Norton 4k/8k and a Chinese 12k or a Naniwa 12k. This will probably maintain a already shave ready razor for life. If you get into antique store/ebay razors you will need a 1k and probably a lower grit. A CrOx pasted paddle is also a very useful tool to have along with a barber hone.