I use the cheapest disposable razor at the dollar store, shave while in the shower with no mirror most times, been known to dry shave standing outside while smoking...
Glad to know I'm not the only person that does this.
great-grand-dad's old honing stone
What kind of stone is it? In skilled hands, or really even just a notch above novice, you should be getting a good edge with about 30 seconds of honing. I was taught to use the stone when the seasons change, and to use both leather and canvas strops to dress up the edge. I picked up one of these Austrian made stones that looks like a fat ceramic tile, and it gives me a good edge with 2 or 3 passes on each side.