Then of course just having the stones does not guarantee the razor will shave. Its common to read new users getting frustrated.
3m films are more consistent and the progression reliable if you follow the well worn method path.
Films will cost you $25, marble tile $4
I got a used Illinois horse hide and linen two piece for $25.
So for $50 you can consistently hone old, used and abused $10 eBay razors and shave with them.
In the end, it’s your money and time .
This^^^-especially the drinking buddies emoji at the end.
When I was pretty new I took one professionally honed razor and a two part Illinois 361 strop on a 9 month deployment and kept it going the whole time. It would shave, but as soon as I got home and re-honed it I realized just how bad the edge amhad gotten and I’d probably never try that stunt again!
I’d say 2-3 months is realistic for a “good” razor and “good” stropping technique.
As for honing... man just get some lapping films. If you dive into the deep end head first and decide this isn’t for you later on you’ll never get your money back trying to resell anything used. $25 in lapping film will get you an edge every bit as good as any set of synthetic waterstones, and even better if your technique is on point because the VERY FINEST synthetic stones are only ~.5mu particles and films commonly go to .3mu and even .05mu in some sizes and applications. If films don’t fully get you a comfy edge, toss in the balsa strops slash recommends for another ~$25 ish.
Just take the easy cheap way to a good edge and figure out how you like shaving before you go down the rabbit holes.
The JNAT rabbit hole is dark and full of Terror$$$. Sure there are $50 used stones that shave well, but how many JNATs do you have to try before you’re satisfied your edge is the best? The only answer to that question is “just one more”.