I for one found that shaving with a straight was much better when I learned to hone - but then I have been called an odd ball for that : ). In retrospect, focusing on how to shave well would have been a better preoccupation lol.

As for pointing you in the right direction with respect for honing - YouTube! Glen and Lynn have a ton of honing video's that are a priceless resourse when learning to hone.

That said - YouTube has a ton of video's on how to shave as well! Got to love today's ability to see what people who know what they are doing at the click of your mouse : ).

I did exactly what was stated above in that I got a Dovo "Best" that was honed. I wish I had the option to have it honed a second time - that's a priceless option in that it's hard to know what a well honed razor should be when starting off.

If you can - get a second blade so you can have a sharp one at all times.

Don't buy an expensive strop right off the bat : ), and make sure that you pay attention to shaving prep - it's huge!

So many things to learn - makes it a great pass time.