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It would certainly complicate things, but there's no need. There are plenty of guys honing razors in the UK. :)

Get in touch with one of the guys advertising honing services in the classifieds. You may be surprised how inexpensive honing can be. It's a very different proposition from a full-on restore.
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Wow - sounds like an amazing place he has there!

Re the blade taper, that's hone wear. Look at the spine above where the blade narrows. See how the flat part of the spine widens in the same area...