Hey all! Just wanted to take a moment to introduce myself...name's Eric, and I'm very new to the world of straight razor shaving. I've been a member of B&B and a DE shaver for about 16 months, and somehow, some way, I've been bitten by the straight bug (so I figured it would be a good time to join this site). On the way to my house right now (may already be there!) is a shave ready 11/16 Westor Brothers blade and poor man's strop from Larry over at Whipped Dog. Can't wait to take a few strokes this weekend with it (I'm fine starting w/ just cheek area to start and work up to the rest...my neck's a tricky place anyways)!

Question...I know I should not strop before the first shave (as Larry's sending it shave-ready), but how do I go about sanitizing the blade before first use w/out ruining the edge (as it's a vintage blade, it's probably drawn blood in the past)?