My number one rule for new guys that want to learn this hobby:
* Don't try to hone your razor at all until you can shave with a well honed one you bought from someone that's known for their razor honing.
That's it.
Hope that helps.
After listening to that rule following some others:
2) learn to strop, turning your wrist, incorrect strokes. etc, they all lead to dull razors in just a few shaves.
3) Don't buy hones for a few months!