GG,

I have not been following this thread until now but I have both the MF #1
and Kelly's cigar shave and  neither worked very well until I filed off the
back of the blade.  The back of the blade is actually the sole and if the
angle is too high, the back prevents the edge from contacting the wood. Try
filing some off, then set the blade so your finger drags the edge (don't
look at it, just feel for the edge) and then try it.  If the edge is still
not contacting the wood, file some more off.  Both of mine now produce great
shavings, especially on inside curves.  This may be obvious but for these
inside curved surfaces, it is best to rotate the shave as you pull or push
(whatever your preference).

Hope this helps.

Best regards,
Paul A. Coppinger