What an absolutely pleasant and comfortable shave! The shaving geometry is perfect to within a gnat's crotchet - could do with a tad more aggression, imo - a top cap tweak, I understand. I thought I was getting a BBS right up to rubbing in the a/s atg when, clearly, I hadn't.
Before going further, I need to point out two salient points - three, if you include this being my first shave with a new razor - the balance is entirely and utterly wrong for me and the handle is too short for me. A longer handle would address the balance problem somewhat but I doubt it would be solved - and the total weight would be increased. This is a very heavy razor and the CG is somewhere inside the head, so I had to hold the razor right up by the head - very strange for me and caused difficulties because of my large hands getting in the way. No doubt I could refine my technique with this razor.
Grip is superb! Right up to the end of the third pass, wet with soapy water, the grip remained excellent. In fact, I had to lather the handle to compromise the grip.
The shave was so easy and comfortable it was a pleasure and joy! I could feel the blade but was completely protected from it - not even close to a weeper - just the blade scything away. This was great in all passes, especially on larger areas, and felt like I was getting BBS atg. As anticipated, due to the bulk of the head and the protected blade ends, my upper lip and under my nose were problematic, but I got there - acceptable finish - in the end. With any other razor I would have been a weeper mess with the things I did - except I wouldn't have had to do them in the first place. Short handle, large razor head, large hands, large nose - very difficult to maintain an angle and get in close under my nose.
Mainly, I used a handle angle much higher than the recommended 30deg - more like 60 - 70deg - trying to ease a tad more aggression. Very comfortable but, as it turned out, not BBS - probably not even DFS. No doubt this will be improved on a second and subsequent outings.
Personally, I wouldn't buy this razor as is. I believe it needs refinement, so Mk III or IIII would probably be when I'd invest. The blade end protection is generous. Trimming this coupled with a smaller radius into the handle stub would trim a lot of weight. Trimming the diameter of the handle stub would remove even more. Scalloping the underside of the bottom plate could remove masses.
Conclusion: this is a brilliant razor in the making - a modern, comfortable shave. Too heavy by far and CG too high in the head. Balance would be improved with a longer handle. Shave geometry very nearly optimal, needing a tad more aggressiveness, just a tad.
I hope this edition sells well, Andrew, gets you some money back in the coffers! I look forward to evolved versions.
Tomorrow shave the second, utilising what I've learned today.
Oh! important for me - this razor carries shaved off lather well - enables long strokes.