So then what I'd do is, I'd post in the WTB in the BST saying "Need a nice quality jnat for razors, in the range of $X. For my requirements, please read Dave's post here <insert link>".

Nice writeup, with a lot of thought in there, @DaveW. Beginners should definitely give it the consideration it deserves.

Just one obvious remark... if buying from overseas, like Japan, you're gonna need to count on the shipping costs. That may bring the cost of a simple Mejiro from $25 to $40-50US and a nice, big whetstone +$40-50. Shipping from Japan gets expensive! At least to Europe it does..

What I did for my first couple of jnats, I went to cheap options from 330Mate and Metalmaster. Not greatest quality, but good to get the feel and certainly won't break the bank. If you ask these guys all the above questions , it is likely you won't get an answer and if you do, it will likely not be the nicest and most polite answer in the world [emoji6]

I have never purchased from So or Alex, as I find their prices too high, no matter the expertise (which I don't doubt).