Hello Novan,
Quote:
First thing's first though... win the auction 
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Keep in mind that buyer's premium, shipping&handling fees, and customs tax/fees will considerably add to the total cost. Most auction houses charge way more for shipping than the mere postal fees (which also have gone up quite a bit) - it's a good idea to ask for an estimate in advance (if you don't know from prior experience).
Are there any local sources you could tap into? For basic blades this may be cheaper (and better since you could closely examine them prior to purchase).
On ebay/etc., you also can find good buys (even bargains if you're patient, really patient) - however, as with any online transaction, it is often difficult/impossible to determine how deep any pitting really is and how much of the blade has been lost to corrosion. Caveat emptor...
Regards,
Kai