Brag251, again, there are no Mentors listed for the Chicago area at this time. But, I did a quick look on the Local Help list and TwistedOak (Chicago) is listed as a person that can help. He's been a member since 2011 and is willing to meet and help when and where possible. PM to start contact.

Basic set of stones for most straight razor honers are a King 1k or Norton 1k, Norton 4/8k combo and a Naniwa SS 12k. There is the group that prefer naturals but the synthetics are best to start because their grit sizes are consistent for their designations. A DMT Coarse plate is again the standard for a lapping plate.

As for blood and guts on the job and at home I'd say it's apples and oranges again. Ya never know what's going to gross you out.

Let us know how it's going.