Hello everyone. Quick intro: father of two, bit of a geek. Long ago studied a bit in Japan (hence kamisori interest reference below). Spent a few years in the UK and now back in the eastern US.

I've been keen to start trying life with a straight razor and have decided to get started. I'm definitely excited about the depth of knowledge here and the many things to be learning along the way.

My first step (obviously) will be getting the razor. Let's assume I'm sold on the straight kamisori (those long straight 50mm types). I think I first discovered the Iwasaki version and I'm comfortable with getting a pretty nice one and (at least now) have no intention of maintaining a big collection of razors. So I'd like one that's beautiful and useable and something you'd pass on to your kids.

I've done some research around a few topics. I vaguely recall seeing these Iwasaki ones for £200 a few years back. Reading up on Tamahagane (which it seems is most often what Iwasaki makes his from?) makes it sound like prices are high -- or that maybe there are cheap imitations around. Lots of debates about whether Tamahagane is better (vs other blue/white/whatever)-- I'm less fussed about it being made of that, but want quality and fair pricing. Not wedded to Iwasaki, just that style of straight kamisori.

Other info sources read as though the Tamahagane kamisori are now unavailable, though JapaneseNaturalStones lists one ($350) and seems to have a good reputation. Ebay is a source too with prices around $150 and up. Scarcity doesn't really seem to be the problem. But maybe I'm looking at the wrong stuff. And the broad range of prices I see makes me a little nervous about both poor quality and swindlers.

Also everyone stresses having the razor properly shave ready. So there's clearly a cost to honing with a good honemeister that needs to be considered. (Eventually I'd like to hone this myself...baby steps.)

So, any guidance on cutting through the info out there? If I pick up an Iwasaki, I guess I should generally look for prices around $300 if I expect it to be shave ready? Or I'll have to ship a cheaper one to someone (in the US) to hone it? Or am I way off?

Cheers,
Chris