Welcome to the forum! While I see some really good value in trying to shave with it just like it is, I think you should have it honed professionally. Being new, you really don't have a good concept of how sharp it oughta be. Then after you have it honed, don't "test" it on anything except your lathered face. While I don't have anyone hone my blades currently, I've had plenty of them honed in the past. If you'd like a couple suggestions, you can PM me, and I'll tell you who I used and what I thought. Keep in mind...everything seems pretty darn sharp when you're new. lol.