If just starting out ,get them pro honed. That way you will have a benchmark to go on, then learn to shave before honing. Just a suggestion. You will find that honing is almost the last thing you need to learn , stropping will be one of the most important thing to master , that way honing won't be often. I,m going on 6 months of shaving with a straight and I haven't honed a thing! Had mine done by the pros, I just concentrated on shave technique and stropping. Have fun, ask all the questions you think of. Plus for the cost of a couple hones I can get several razors honed. Tc