I understand what you are going through. From my experience (one year) shaving with a straight razor is something you need to be dedicated to learning or not even start. There are lots of alternatives to getting the hair off our faces. Personally, I had a beard for about 8-10 years. I got into knife sharpening trying to get super razor sharp edges because I've always liked knives and respected sharp knives as tools. One day I decided to shave my beard off but I no longer had ANY shaving equipment. Not even a 10 pack of disposable razors and a can of shaving cream. So I decided to try straight razors ONLY to become proficient at sharpening them. The decision had nothing to do with a close shave or anything related to the end result. This was because of my love and respect for what sharp edges can do for us. If it weren't for the sharpening (honing) aspect of shaving with a straight razor I would have bought disposable razors and blades. I'm finally starting to benefit from watching videos, advice here and lots of practice. As far as the cost goes I'm thinking the initial cost, while it can be more expensive at first will save money in the long run. Maybe. Anything shaving related can get expensive if you want good tools. Just like most things. I bet you don't have dirt cheap tools to work on your car. :)
Anyway, I'm showing improvement from my efforts. And while I didn't care about the quality of my shaves to begin with I can see and feel a difference in my shaves now compared to earlier in life. I shaved all my life until I retired 10 years ago. For me it's worth the effort I've gone through. And I know I'll improve more in the future. But when I started I had no idea it would take a year to just get started being proficient. I'm sure some people improve faster. I think the most important thing to consider is to not even concern yourself with honing a razor. Just focus on stropping. That will get you having a shave ready razor at your disposal much faster than if you try using stones on your razors. I got this advice but ignored it. But my stropping has gotten good enough to keep the razor I got from SRD shaving better than anything I've honed. I won't try to hone it until I can get my other razors this sharp. I'll send it to Lynn when it needs honing. But, it may not need honing for several months. After another year practicing to hone and strop I may not need to send it to Lynn. I probably will though. I'll want to check my skill with a razor he hones again and I have a free honing certificate since I got the razor from SRD. :) I can shave with what I hone and strop. It's just not the same as using the SRD razor. But to think I'll get razors as sharp as Lynn or other people who have been at it for years is unrealistic. But, I'll be able to maintain my own razors at a satisfactory level. So will you if you stick with it. Best of luck.
Jack