This question has been in the back of my mind since I started a couple of years ago. This is what I have concluded.
First, it is a solitary activity. Almost every other activity in my life involves other people, which means negotiation and compromise, and this usually frustrates me more than it should. My business life, my family life, even my social life demands that I be conscious and considerate of others, adapt to some degree to their needs and priorities, keep track of who feels how about what, etc. Who do I need to get to sign off on this project? Shall we go to the beach or the mountains? If I give in on the new carpet, will she give me pass on Tuesday night poker?
When I hone I get to make all the decisions and take all the responsibility. I have no one else to please, no one elses opinions to consider. I can relax. I need to please no one but myself.
Second, and a corollary to the above, I can seek perfection without annoying anyone. Compromising with others always leads to less than ideal outcomes. People become impatient. When I hone, I known that through my own effort and imagination and perseverance I will eventually produce a precise and beautiful thing. Perhaps artisans, carpenters, artists and others are able to find this in their daily occupations, but in my life only honing a razor gives me this reward.
This is why I love to hone.