I’m incorporating a lot more curves into my work and have been using a Stanley No. 63 with a Hock blade. It’s okay and I’m not intent on reinventing the wheel, but I’d like something a bit more refined. I tried the HNT Gordon small compass shave, hated and returned it. I also tried the Millers Falls #1 cigar shave on numerous occasions but never got the hang of using it or sharpening the blade. So I sold it to a fellow Creeker. I know Dave’s Shaves have a stellar reputation but I’m a little gun shy about ordering one based on my previous experiences with wooden (I have a Woodjoy flat sole that I find finicky to adjust) and curved sole shaves, not to mention the cost. I know LN makes a small curved sole shave but suspect it will be only slightly better than the Stanley/Hock I’m currently using.
With that novella-like preamble, if anybody has one I’d like to get your impressions of the No. 0 compass shave. Likes/dislikes, pros/cons, ease of use, learning curve, etc. Appreciate any input but please limit your response to only this shave.