Can I avoid honing IF....

I stick with a pasted strop and maybe a barbers hone for refreshing?

In theory the answer is yes. But if you are new to this, the chance of you messing up your edge is fairly large, and your razor may need a re-hone or two before you got your technique down.

But IMO, anyone shaving with a straight razor should learn to hone. And it's really fun! :)

I know what you mean, but in all seriousness a pasted strop and perhaps a Barber's hone is actually honing in my book. But yes, you can avoid all the honing steps before touch up so long as you are careful with the edge and don't bang it up on sinks etc.

James.