Have you noticed the sole plate not being slicky? The iron seems to not glide like most. I wonder if this is because of no steam vents to let the air ride on the fabric, or does the plate get smoother with use? It doesn't cause a problem but has a different feel then what I'm use to.

Not having any problems. Sorry

Run a candle stump over the hot iron, then iron a paper towel to remove excess

Mine seems ok

Get good old fashioned wax paper and run your iron over it. That should slick it up!

i just iron over a sheet of wax paper, same principle

When I was shopping for a new iron, I noticed some of the sole plates were not as slick feeling as others. I wondered why too :D:D:D

I used a honing smoothing stone on the sole plate and then ironed on wax paper. It glides like butter now. I can move it across the fabric with one finger.