I recommend buying two razors that are shave ready. Keep one for your standard. Shave, say, an inch swath with your "standard" razor to judge its sharpness. Then, clean and store without stropping. (Stropping introduces an unneeded variable, since it might dull the blade.)

Shave day to day, and practice your honing on your regular razor. Whenever needed, shave a small area of your face with the standard razor to compare its edge to your current edge on your regular razor.