Hello! Jumped in to the deep end!... Wacker 7/8 and Baxter "Not a Replica" tomorrow!

[BertramWacker]

Hello everyone!

John here. I've always loved fine German craftsmanship. From my firearms to my car I appreciate fine German Metallurgy and quality work...

I jumped in head first! Just got this 7/8 plain blade with Buffalo. Comments are welcome!

Few questions:

1. Best way to keep it from rusting?
2. Strop and stone recommendations for honing? (Dovo strop with the handle is my first inclination)
3. Stands for these so they don't sit in any water? I've seen the simple plastic ones which seem to do a good job.

My Baxter arrives tomorrow and I'll post photos of it. I have a Dovo entry straight blade which I may blue with a gun bluing kit and have buffalo put on by a local custom knife maker. I plan to learn honing on that blade and only work on this Wacker when I'm proficient.

Glad to be here! Love this stuff!