A couple of things I have noticed about my B3 is that it seems to be taking a lot more bashing with my mallet to get it to the point I like to start using it.. i.e the grains starting to "open" up.. A point which I still haven't got it to yet.
The other thing is that the handle seems extremely stiff and may need a bit of flexing to "soften" a little.... If that makes sense.
Something I have noticed with handles over the last few years, and this certain isn't aimed at B3, is the rubber/cork or what ever product is used in the handles doesn't seem to be evenly spaced as much as in years gone by... They seem to also be closer together instead of spread wider down the handle... I think that makes a huge difference in feel in handles...
I hope that makes sense