A good razor for practice

Hey all

Got my DOVO bismarck bone today and I am truly happy with that work of art. It came from CS presharpened so I'll try it on my next shave.
However I did win an auction for this eBay item
Treat Hardware &Supply Straight Razor 6/8 - eBay (item 330260234922 end time Aug-14-08 17:38:10 PDT)
I was wondering if this is a good razor to practice honing, stroping, shaving with because I want to save my DOVO for when I have become proficient at obtaining a usable shaving edge. At $20 I couldn't complain but how does it compare in terms of quality, etc..?

Should I boil it, Barbicide, and dip it in alcohol before I work on it?

Thanks

Well if it is shave ready, you shoudn't need to hone it. I would encourage you to strop and shave with it though; it's improtant to use a good razor with a good edge so you know what it feels like. It also eliminates the "is it my razor?" question in the event that you don't get a good shave. That allows you to focus on prep and technique.

I've PMed you with an offer for something to practice with, should you decide not to use the Bismark.