Greetings shavers,

I recently had a new blade picked up from an antique collector, a silversteel Solingen blade which is quite a beauty. Now I have 2 concerns, it has been lying around in that shop for a few years. I'm not really keen on just trying it out, since I have no idea about how clean it is and cannot figure out the sharpness without shaving with it.

Should I sterilize it properly first? It cannot carry any major diseases since it has been lying around for so long, but I suppose a swipe would be useful.

It's not chipped or anything, looks very good in fact. But I suppose it is not shave ready (will test that after overcoming the sterilization bit), would this be a good opportunity to pick up a hone and go for it? I am planning to do so at some point in the future anyway.. Or should I have someone do it for me? If so what are the average prices for a good hone?

Thanks in advance!