Hello

[Captain Sensible]

Enjoying the wealth of knowledge here, can see this getting expensive . . .

 

[bkultra]

Welcome to the forum

 

[Benuser]

Enjoying the wealth of knowledge here, can see this getting expensive . . .

Welcome aboard!
Not necessarily. Very decent monosteel carbons with Western handles can be obtained for little money. If we'll chosen, two or three sharpening stones should do the job.
It's really up to you.