Ok, I know this is a newbie question. I know that because I am a newbie. I've been straight razor shaving for maybe three months now. I bought a "presharpened" Dovo from Classic Shaving and having been using it since I bought it.

My question is: how do I know when it's time to use the barber's hone, when is it time to go to the 4000/8000 stone?

My razor shave pretty well, but I don't have any experience to compare it to. I can see a tiny nick in the blade. Plus, when I shave, I hear that rasping sound. I guess that's typical. But it seems like the razor is cutting some of the beard and leaving parts. So I'm wondering if I've over-stropped it (is that possible?) or does "presharpened" not mean "shave ready"?

Thanks,
Dean