Shave testing a gift for my buddy

My friends birthday party is tomorrow. He seemed to have a little interest when I told him I started using a SR. He said he wasn't shaving his beard of at least 6 mos growth (which I've never seen him grow a beard out before) until someone got him a razor as a gift to cut the beard off. So no one got him one for Christmas. I guess now it's up to me to get him a SR on his birthday!
I picked up an unknown manufacturer SR that looks to be decent. It fit my budget well. It's 6/8 with a round tip and looks to be a full hollow.
I just wanted to get your guys take. It just sort of seems that it would be a prudent thing for me to do to shave test the razor. I mean, I would really be doing it with the greatest of intentions for my buddy. ;). No really. Honest. I'm at a point in my SR shaving that I definitely know the difference between a edge that works and an edge that doesn't. Also my stropping is dialed in now. Meaning I'm pretty confident I'm at a point where I know I will do no harm. Really I know because my edges tell me so. I have also gotten pretty proficient at touch ups to bring one back.
I'm absolutely no veteran. I'm in the grand scheme of thing a total noob. I only picked up my first SR last October. I do feel fortunate that I seemed to pick everything up fairly quickly. Others I know that have started have had much rougher go of things on their start.
One thing my friend and I have a commonality in is that we both seem to pick up things pretty quickly. I really want him to have the best start possible. That's why I want to try the razor and if for some reason I don't like its performance I was considering replacing the planned gift with my pre ww-II Giesen & Forstoff "adoration" 9/16 square tip (slightly muted). It shaves great and I only have two shaves on it.
what do you all think?
Have I just come up with an excuse to try something shiny?
Or am I going about it the right way?
if I can figure out pics before I lose my text I'll put em up.

Pics
http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/...psosqtvhqh.jpg
http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/...psurfy2qno.jpg
http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/...psuf5bqjct.jpg
http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/...psiigxuybp.jpg

I think 99.9% of people test shave there razors. I know I do. Just disinfect it and it's good as new. No need to send him a bad, harsh shave. There are enough things to learn....better to do it with a Shave ready razor!

And the round tip would be the best for a newbie!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chevhead

I think 99.9% of people test shave there razors. I know I do. Just disinfect it and it's good as new. No need to send him a bad, harsh shave. There are enough things to learn....better to do it with a Shave ready razor!

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I agree !!

not to mention a bad shave from a non "shave ready" razor could ruin someone's perspective of straight razors and wet shaving ... also if someone else is looking for a gift for him a strop would be a good choice and maybe you and someone elsecan get together on that ..!!

I got him a brush and I'm going to hook him up with my old SRD 1 1/2" strop and some cream. He will have all the min tools

If it turns out that the gift razor isn't up to snuff send it to me and I will hone it for him. No charge just pay postage. Or drop it by if you get down this way.

I appreciate that. Thanks. I only did a couple of strokes on my cheek and upper lip with the gift razor. One of the best edges I have had the experience to use. It's definitely shave ready for him. Hope he likes it. He will be getting the black 6/8.

My "test shave" is one stroke on my upper lip. If it is ready I know immediately.

This is a kind and great gift for a friend.

Yea, pretty much one stroke and you know, If not look at the edge with magnification and back to the finish hone.

If it passes, wipe down with a 10 percent bleach solution rinse and re-strop.

The shave is the final and really the only test, that matters.

Nice gift…

Test shave away. I gave a friend a razor that was one of my best and sharpest and he barely ever uses it now. I wish I would have given him something less expensive now since it just sits most of the time. BOTH of those razors you posted pictures of look top notch to me. I would be more than happy with either.