I have just had a similar experience...

Bought a TI 'le dandy' 5/8 sold as shave ready and used it yesterday, what a horrible experience. I had a face like a baboon's rear-end and it hurt like hell. I've just stropped it (100 strokes or so) and done the hanging hair test and I swear I've seen spoons do better... Gonna order a properly honed vintage straight tonight and when it arrives I'll send my TI to be honed.

Anyway my point is I'm a beginner too but I won't let a bad experience put me off. Send the razor with your brother and get him to mail it back, when you need it re-honed I would post it to a honemeister who will ship it back to you (assuming that is something you are able to do). Also like most people say, order a 2nd razor so you aren't at a loss when yours is being honed.