Hello,
I have just purchased my first straight razor, which, came shave ready. I have been researching honing and stropping for a few weeks now and have come across many different opinions. My questions are the following:

1. To keep a perfect edge on my razor, which type of hone do I need?
2. I shave only twice a week but have a pretty coarse beard. How often will I need to hone?
3. If I only have to hone periodically, does it make more sense to send my razor off instead of investing in an expensive hone or set of hones?
4. How long do hones last?

Thanks!