I have three bikes with Velo Orange fenders. The fenders are well made and take a licking, but its the hardware that makes Velo Orange my preferred metal fender. After ignoring it on my first and second installation, I used a part that is called a a daruma or fork crown eye bolt. It made the installation easier to attach the fender to the fork. Also worth noting is that you can get individual pieces of hardware from VO if needed. Even if it is for non-Velo Orange fenders.

Schwinn Continental with VO Stainless Steel fenders.

While I don't specifically remember shaping the fenders, I'm sure I did. All massaging of the fenders were done by hand. It is a pretty tight fit. Pebbles usually make the trip all the way around the fender. Sticks break when they get into the fender.

The other two bikes have VO aluminum fenders.