I know my answers can be found in bits and pieces of threads, but I haven't found exactly what I'm looking for. I started shaving with a straight earlier this year, and I've progressed to shaving WTG, XTG, and ATG with no cuts. However, I'm beginning to think that either my razor is dull, my razor is just a poor brand/model, and/or I need a better strop. I purchased my razor from Whipped Dog as a cheap $25 shave-ready and his poor-man strop which is a simple piece of leather that I have tied around my doorknob. The razor is an old George Wostenholm and Sons IXL 4/8 hollow ground, and I have approx. 40 complete-face passes on it. So I have some questions for you senior members, but I'll explain my shaving technique first.

Preshave: I wet me face with warm water several times within a 10 minute period before shaving as I strop and build a lather.

Shaving: First off, I've had these results almost since day one, so I have not noticed that the razor went from performing better to worse. No matter how I experiment with angle and stroke length, one WTG pass on my cheeks leaves noticeable stubble and some remaining whiskers--especially in areas that I can only reach with the toe of the blade. The XTG pass leaves stubble but no protruding whiskers, and the ATG pass leaves a clean-looking face but not BBS. The way my neck hair grows, I can only do two downward XTG passed and then one upward ATG-XTG pass which leaves things smooth. However, the razor painfully tugs like heck on my neck when going ATG even after the two downward XTG passes, and I think there is more drag than should be on the WTG passes on my cheeks. I get tugging ATG on my cheeks too. My neck often gets razor burn near the center. I have no other razor for comparison, nor have I ever witnessed someone in person straight shave for comparison. I apply no additional pressure to the blade other than what's needed to hold it to my skin, and I stretch the skin very tightly. I'm using Bald Frog shaving soap lathered in a scuttle that seems to be doing a fine job of lubricating and soothing. I usually shave every other day, as shaving every day irritates my neck area quite a bit.

So for my questions:

1. With the shaving results I've described, do you think now that I've acquired a feel for the techniques of shaving it's time for me to get a better make/model razor and strop? My intent in only spending $25 on a shave-ready razor and $14 on a cheap strop was to see if I liked straight shaving before spending more money on better equipment; I do like it, and I would like to get to where I can have a comfortable shave without cringing as I shave my neck.

2. I would like to be able to hone my own blades, so do you think instead of spending money on a reputable blade and strop I should purchase a 4K/8K Norton hone and learn on my current blade. I have my great grandfather's Diamond King razor touch-up hone which is unmarked for grit but very fine (comes in an elaborate aluminum box). Will this work as the final stone, or will I need a pasteboard strop?

Money is somewhat tight right now, but I'm comfortable spending the $100 for the Norton 4K/8K stone and a prep/slurry stone. If I get another razor, I'd be looking into a quality refurbished vintage. I'd also be looking for a quality strop. That being said, I'd rather spend the $100 for honing tools than the $250+ for a razor and strop, but I'm concerned that even with a good hone this razor isn't going to perform as a razor should.

Any opinions on what might be the issue(s) with my setup or what the next step might be to get me a better, more comfortable shave is greatly appreciated. I'm planning on straight shaving for the rest of my life, so I know that the money I spend now on quality components is a good investment. I'm just not certain which step to take next. Thanks!