Yes. Since we're Kurokonton players I don't buy two techniques in the chapter 4: Double-Chant(Literally useless since we're playing with a build that requires high Hand-seals) & Fanding Hand(Well, I believe you're like me and get at least 1~2 Thievery in the chapter 1 to steal the whole Thunderfall's storage in the chapter 2 & Get the +1 Thievery technique from Guiren).
Now Ax Breaker & Eagle Eye are Top-Tier techniques, you can buy. Also the two Elemental techniques, although they don't increase yours skills, each one gives +15 AP at a cost of 110 Shards each, which is more efficient than Cycling(With 10 Soul Core you gain 26 AP per cycling, and in the chapter 4 assuming you already have 1,000+ AP the cost can pass the 300 Shards).
Besides in this occasion, I really don't refrain myself from buying techniques at all.
Note: There are three moments I Cycle: Chapter 3, the most obvious. Chapter 4(+50~60 Shards in the end of Chapter three if you've the underling. +360 Shards from Dou Nohai. +500 Shards from the Old Woman by saving the villagers and having high compassion). And chapter 6(+100 Scamming Guiren in Ebikowa. +150 by taking the people's valuables in Ebikowa. +150 By winning the bet against Master Suon. And the Free-roam in Harehama overall).
Chapters 7 & 8 I let to save money so far usually I end with 10.000+ Shards(Not considering my Junk-fleet) by the end of chapter 8.