I use film from Thor labs myself-
http://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=1350 Best prices and a decent selection. Use the Aluminum Oxide- a package of 10 sheets, each 9 X 13" is enough for a long, long time. The prices are very reasonable and the service superb.
I use a pair of 1/4" X 4" X 14" glass plates as a surface for the film. Water and a squeegee will keep the film stuck down (vacuum) and keep the surfaces of contact on the film clean. They MUST be clean because any debris of any size at all will make a lump that the razor will skip over. I use a silicone spatula (stolen from the kitchen.... ssssshhhhhhhh) to squeegee the back of the film, then the glass and finally to squeegee the film, abrasive side up, onto the glass so it is extremely flat. Some water, a drop of dish washing detergent or shaving soap and away you go.
Canned foam really isn't the right stuff for a bare blade or a DE razor. A tallow based soap, whipped up with a brush is really in order here. A little pre- shave oil or hair conditioner (yep, the stuff in the shower) goes a long way to make a smooth shave as well. Some prefer a glycerine based hard soap, and I have had those work well too. Whatever you like but the canned 'auto foaming' stuff provides little lubrication or protection.
As far as corrosion goes, unless entire areas of the blade near the edge are absolutely gone, the razor will usually clean up and show an edge of good steel under the pits. Even the occasional pit right at the blade's edge is too small to cause any problem as long as it is a 'flea bite' and not a rotten area.
Glad to hear you are progressing. It is an interesting journey and one that holds satisfaction at the end if one likes completing a task alone. There is also a certain amount of pride in scraping the hair off your face using the most essential tools with the added benifit of knowing you took care of the entire process from honing to getting a transfusion. :-)
Brian
Thanks Brian! Not done yet, I still have more polishing to go in the belly area, I want the total mirror shine for self gratification. I also have the scales to make.
This is what I am using http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=33004&cat=1,43072 . Ordering some of these up next http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=68943&cat=1,43072 . I plan on getting smaller glass plates made up for ease of use. I will be adhering an oak block to the bottom to raise the plate up for knuckle clearance. As it is I have a large plate with 15, 5, and .5 micron strips (I took another look at what I have) on three sides.
My concern is some of the pitting is close to the edge, which would make for a bad shave, so this may become a piece for learning and eventually a piece for looks. I did a shave with it using canned cream, unnerving for sure (used a belt for a strop) but I can see myself making this a regular habit. I'm looking forward to an ADV ride and doing a shave in the middle of nowhere with my old fashioned blade-"Shaving.... like a man"