David Weaver
What are your thoughts about its proportions and the feel in use vs. a stanley 271?

I like the SJB kits, though there's always a bit of skill in making a good tool out of them and sometimes there are some odd issues (there's no real lateral room in some of the infill kits and the mouth is out all the way in line with the pin line on the sides. This is unusual, but the iron can be tapered in its with a little bit and used.