All of the above is sound advice though I don't quite agree with choosing a Gold Dollar as a practice razor for honing. Not all Gold Dollars are good. IIRC one of even a few members who hone and sell GD's posted that of every batch they buy a few have to be binned because they are no good. Just imagine you start practicing on a GD that is no good. I would recommend a vintage razor. Can be had for little money. Get a hollow ground razor, way easier than wedges to start with.