That about says it. Lap the stone using diamond plate or sandpaper. That will clean up the hone. And as far as learning to shave with a straight, buy one ready to go off this site. It will be right! Not like an ebay razor or even a new dovo. New razors are still not shave ready even if they say they are. Unless you buy from a place the hand hones them after the sale.

Good luck and if you do jump into this be sure to read in beginners section of our library. And ask questions.