I hone razors my many first time straight users, and they have similar stories. I've shaved with the razors they say aren't shave ready. Not a shot at you, but it does take time to learn this properly. The best advice I can give you, it to get your razor honed by a pro, and rule that part out. That way you know whether or not it's your technique.
You should learn to shave/use the razor before you dive into honing. You have to crawl before you can walk.
Good luck to you....