Welcome to SRP. Glad you finally found the place. It took me almost a year of pain and no gain with trying to shave with a straight razor, just about gave up on it and then I stumbled onto SRP and the rest is history. The gentlemen here are always willing to help a new member out. Before you learn to hone, I suggest you contact a member in the "Member Services" in the Classifieds, to see about having your razor honed, that way you have a reference point of what a "Shave Ready" razor shaves like. Post any questions you have and keep us posted.