So, as I mentioned, there is some wear on the spine of the razor. I'm not sure if the blade is finished before or after factory honing (probably before honing?). I've compared other images from different retailers and some appear to have no wear while others have wear along the spine.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4468/...4dbf947b_k.jpgrazor1 by Orestes85, on Flickr
At any rate, I went out on a limb and dug out the leather I use to strop my knives with and figured "what the hell". Now, I have -very- fine arm hair and the blade picked up a few after running it just over my arm (no contact). At this point I thought about everything I've read about not knowing a sharp razor until you've had it professionally done. I then ignored my own better judgement, lathered up, and took it for a spin. I've been using castor oil for a while as a pre-shave with cartridges because its what the ice queen keeps in our bathroom and then lathered up some of the el cheapo cream (I believe it's rebranded Proraso, from Bath & Body Works). I'm still getting a (comparatively) small amount of irritation on my neck. BUT, it always used to itch/burn for hours after shaving. Now it's just a few bumps and some redness. No itch/burn at all - I'm very pleased.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4460/...1a181a87_b.jpgIMG_20171024_120827 by Orestes85, on Flickr