Welcome to SRP.

If you are going to own just a few razors for your own use, having the honing done for you makes more sense. Lots of folks are in this boat and it is a cheaper way to go.

If you plan on owning lots of razors, restoring, or selling, or collecting, then learning to hone is a must. I agree with the Naniwa stones mensioned. Its a good way to go. But done think your going to be knocking it out of the park right away. Honing takes time to get right. I too am in the area of a year under my belt in honing. Yes i do well at times, but other times its back to the stone 2 or 3 times before it right. You learn to get real picky on what your looking for and then its back to the stone.

Its fun and a PITA at times. Whatever you decide, your welcome here and we will help you along the way.