Thanks for that Rob..... it's a fantastic first impression review.
I agree with you that with use and time the scritch will dissappear. I had a similar experience with 2 Stirling Finest but they are superb now. The Maseto Finest are still in breaking in period so not as soft yet.... one of them seems to be a shedder too. Even my two Shavemacs are much softer and nicer after 20 shaves or so
Thank you so much for the information. ... it's very helpful.