Hi all. I am very new to the straight razor shave and had a couple questions/concerns that maybe someone can help me with.

I started straight-razor shaving just shy of a couple weeks ago now. I ordered the DOVO Classic 5/8 from Classic shaving - DOVO Straight Razors
- as well as a strop. I already had on hand shaving cream and a brush that I have been using for shaving for some years. Note the razor says PRESHARPENED. I was wary of this (especially since that isn't a word), so I called and was assured from the person I spoke to that any razor prefaced with that is ordered from DOVO, and then sent out to be sharpened before it is stocked. (Interesting side note; I asked why the white one was $85 and the black one $89, and got a very confused operator on the phone. I notice that both now carry the same $89 price).

After getting my razor I spent a lot of time reading a lot of sites and guides and even some YouTube videos. I have been very much enjoying my shaving experience thus far and have gotten much more confident than I was initially.

So, down to my questions:

1. I am wondering if the edge on my blade is really as sharp as it should be. I notice a distinct pull on the hairs on my face when I shave, especially the left side. I do realize I am still very new to this, so a large part of it may be me. And I realize my skin is still a bit sensitive, but I almost feel as if the blade is pulling sometimes instead of cutting. I did try to cut some arm hairs with the edge to no avail, and I cannot work up the confidence to press the blade against my thumb just yet (I need to read on that a bit more, for I am a wimp). Is there any way for me as a newbie to be able to tell if the edge is as sharp as it should be?

Another note - I think it is possible I could have damaged the blade on my initial try at stropping. I hit the piece that holds the leather to the rings a couple times when turning the blade over. I would not think that would damage the edge (unless I cut into it, which i did not), but I do not know enough about metallurgy to know .

2. I am considering going ahead and buying a honing stone and paddle strop - especially as I will have to buy them eventually anyway, if I plan to hone my own blade. I am fairly certain I will go with the Norton 4000/8000. My question is this: Is it possible I will be so bad at honing that I should consider a second blade until I can get it right? I used to sharpen hunting knives a lot in my younger days, but that has been a while ago. And I see that honing goes well beyond having a sharp knife.

I know probably the best way to learn honing is to apprentice to someone (i.e. sit down with someone and let them teach you). I can almost bet there are few to none straight razor users in my neck of the woods (South Carolina), but if anyone is in state, I would love to be able to meet up and learn from someone who has experience at honing.

Thanks in advance for any advice and help you guys can give me!
-Stoneguard (aka Phil)