How to tell if your razor is sharp enough?

Am a newbie to SR shaving and am 2 weeks in now. I started my first week using a Dovo 5/8 then got a TI 6/8 because I heard it maybe easier to learn with. Both are new razors and were honed to be shave ready by the same reputable online store before I received them.
However, I have trouble getting a comfortable shave with the TI. The Dovo shaves like a dream compared to the TI and I am not sure why. It feels like the edge on the TI isn't as sharp as the Dovo for some reason. The TI just feels like it is plowing through the beard compared to the Dovo. I wonder if I should send it back to have it rehoned? Can there be that much difference in how well different blades cut the beard?? I find myself switching back to the 5/8 Dovo in the middle of my shave because of all the touch up work I have to do.
I should mention that I tried to refresh the TI with chromium oxide paste to see if that might help and it did some. Not sure what the answer is here. Appreciate any feedback, thanks.

I guess the first question is are you sure both were honed to shave ready ie: you paid extra for that service on both razors, both razors came opened and a note that said "Professionally Hand Honed to shave ready"

It could be the difference between 5/8 and 6/8, but more than likely the TI needs honing. If you have free honing from the vendor I would send it back

Welcome to SRP!

There is a difference in how different blades shave but I wouldn't think it would be enough to have to change razors during the shave. If both blades were honed by the same vendor I believe I would contact them and mention my concerns. If they both were supposed to be as gssixgun stated 'Professionally Hand Honed to shave ready' a reputable vendor should offer to make things right.

Keep us posted on your results.

I feel the TI was not honed correctly, see if they will re-hone for free.

....or, it could be your angle, given that a 6/8 might fool you into thinking it's at a more moderate angle than a 5/8.

Thanks for the replies . I am thinking it maybe a combination of the larger width blade as well as its sharpness. Both my stra8s were purchased from a notable website with shave ready professional honing noted on the receipt. I will contact the seller with my concern. Thanks again.
I must say I love this way of shaving and appreciate everyone here making it easier to learn how. I'll let you know what comes of my TI.

If you purchased both razors from the same site and they are reputable as you say then I'm sure they'll make it right for you by re honing. Just contact them and explain your situation.

There are only 2 variables here. You and the razor. With the dovo having no issues and good shaves I would suggest the razor. Get it honed and if the problem persists its down to technique but at least you will know for sure.

Drag the razor about a few mm above your arm. If it scythes through the hairs without any pressure, it's sharp enough.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Amenrab

Drag the razor about a few mm above your arm. If it scythes through the hairs without any pressure, it's sharp enough.

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That does not work for a LOT of people!
~Richard

how is your lather? my worst shaves came with razors that i later got great shaves out of. turned out my lather sucked at first and did not provide what that blade needed to do it's job. kinda like being a quart low with the wrong oil in the car. there's oil, but it ain't enough or the right kind.

Newbie Update: It's been a month since my posting so I thought I would update folks with what has happened since. I invested in a set of Naniwa stones, watched videos and read online instructions about honing then jumped right in. I figured I could always send the razor back to have it rehoned by a professional if I failed to get it as sharp as I thought it should be.
After spending many late nights trying different techniques I finally have a very sharp T-I. I am not sure what happened to my original edge but I think I rolled it with my poor stropping technique. I believe I was putting way too much pressure on the blade when using my hanging Latigo. Dah, I know not too smart! Anyway, many thanks to those far more experienced and knowledgeable who make this fun and possible for the rest of us. PS> my girlfriend says I am having way too much fun shaving and playing with my straight razor!! lol

Good to hear you found a solution and a new skill in honing! For what it's worth, I feel the width of the blade has nothing to do with it. Although razors with different profiles will feel different, this is less of a variable that the grind, that is, a heavier grind (a wedge) will require a different technique than a full hollow, yet a full hollow 5/8 will shave very similar (in my experience) to a full hollow 6/8.

One thing I like about full hollows is you can hear them cutting hair, a wedge is silent...