Something is obviously wrong. The mouth should be much more open. I agree with Derek that the only possibility is a defect in the casting or something raising the blade off the bed. I'll look at mine when I get home to compare. If you have the flat shave, did you try to switch blades to eliminate that as a possible source of the problem. I assume it's the LV blade in there, right? If not, it's possible that the blade is too thick.
The bed on mine is completely machined, not just a strip by the mouth and then a round spot above the securement screw. I have about a 1 mm mouth opening when the blade is just flush with the sole.
I agree with Jim. You obviously have the newer version of the shave. It's not just the bed that's different, but it seems like the mouth shape is different as well. With the blade protruding far enough to take a shave, I can push a .012" feeler gauge through the mouth opening. I assume you can't even get the blade far enough through the mouth to feel the edge with your fingers. If that's true, there's obviously a problem with the casting. I'm sure LV will fix it. Either the mouth needs to be opened or something is wrong with the bed that's making the blade sit proud - same as if the blade was too thick.
They sent me a replacement shave, and it has solved the problem. Works completely as advertised.
My untrained eye detects that the bed in the offending shave has nibs next to the mouth the project up and impede the blade's ability to lay flat, which in turn makes the mouth too tight.
It was only evident when I compared it to the 'good' one.
Anyway, all's good, and I now really like this shave. It feels even heavier than the bigger Stanley 151 that I've been using, yet in a smaller package that can get into tighter spaces.
Aside: I ordered two more of their rosewood shaves. I have to say, yet again, those things are amazing for their price. I mean, I'll challenge anyone to take a 2" square spindle blank into rough round faster (and with more pleasure) than with any tool, including a lathe.
Last edited by Prashun Patel; 08-11-2014 at 11:42 AM.
I have been wanting to try the rosewood shave. Thanks for the feedback. By the way, I had my round-bottom spokeshave out Saturday to trim some boat parts and, remembering your post, looked at the mouth and did notice that there is very little room for error. Mine works fine, but I could see where a tiny error in machining could cause the problem you had.
By the way, I noticed on Shop Talk Live podcast a question was answered from someone with your name about finishing. Was that you?
Yes that was me. STL is a guilty pleasure. I love those guys even though they rag on Ed too much.
Reinis,
You do have to remove the blade from the handle. It does not loosen the fit noticeably. I sharpen the large one on waterstones, free hand. I sharpen the small one on the corner of a waterstone.
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