Cool! If you're starting from scratch then tape is optional although the reason it's used is to prevent hone wear on the spine. You can use Kapton tape or insulation tape. If you were only refreshing an edge that had been previously done with tape it's best to use tape to keep the angle the same, although even then, the difference in angle a single layer of tape makes must be minuscule.
I would say if you've shaved with a straight enough to know if it's technique or the edge that's giving you a harsh feeling then you should probably have a go at doing the hone yourself. That assumed there are no major problems with the geometry to correct. Then if you're still unhappy, send it out. There's another thread asking similar right now so you may find some responses there too.