alb1981,
How long have you been shaving? Would you say you know now to shave with a straight razor and get a comfortable shave every time?

I ask this because if the answer to this question (you don't have to answer me...just yourself) is "no, I don't get a comfortable shave every time", then maybe you should work on shaving for a bit longer so that you truly know what a razor is supposed to do and not do in regards to shaving. Once you have shaving down, then by all means get into honing. Typically learning to "touch-up" a razor that is starting to pull is the first step, then getting into honing. If at all you could find a person to show you the ropes when it comes to honing it would shorten your learning curve significantly. Best of luck to you...Scott