Some very good advice given so far. I learned to shave with a str8 exactly opposite* of what is recommended and trust me, doing it like that is slow, painful and very disheartening at times. I stuck it out and have been getting the best shaves of my life for the past 5 years.

*What I mean by opposite is due to very limited funds from being disabled and out of work the first str8 razor I bought had broken scales so I had to learn how to make scales first. Next I tried to learn to hone with hones not meant to be used on a str8 razor, had some rough shaves that felt like I shaved with sandpaper. Finally I was able to concentrate on shaving.

Learn to shave and strop first; maintaining, honing & restoration (if interested in doing) can come at a later date and your learning curve will be shortened and less painful, str8 razor shaving can be very enjoyable. Good luck and have a pleasant journey into the world of str8 razor shaving!