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Yeah +1 on what 10pups said - if you're going to send a razor in anyway, might as well give it a shot. You not only get more practice, but you'll get feedback on how you did.
Just use tape and start off with those less expensive razors.
My thought on the whole subject is that if I'm going to improve honing skills, I have no choice but to also hone the "better" razors I have since I don't have countless razors passing through my hands to practice on. I have found that just practicing on one razor only gets you so far, cause when you grab another one, it's going to be different and it can feel like you're starting all over again.

The Gold Dollars are good for all-the-way-honing practice, as they come with built-in geometry issues. I grind down or remove the stabiliser/shoulder (I always forget which is which) and preferably shorten the heel a little, because the grind is thicker there than the rest of the blade. They usually have a (little) smile and I have once seen a picture of a combined smile-frown.

Other than that, my 8 GDs all had straight tangs and no warps or uneven grinds (except that heel), so once you have prepared the GD, it is a good practice razor. I did all the modifications with my Dremel and even my belt sander, figuring it wouldn't hurt to try. They shave well, though not my favourites