Today I received my first straight in the mail (Jim's Vintage Blades Dovo deal, honed by Lynn). I have not yet received my strop. I am really excited about getting started. Should I:

1) Just be patient and not use the razor until I get the strop.
2) Shave once without stropping.
3) Use an alternative stropping method (cardboard back of note pad?; leather belt?; newspaper?)

The last thing I want to do is harm my new razor, so I am willing to be very judicious if you think it best.

Thanks for your advice.

Michael