Knob on the Progress

**cooncatbob** · 06-28-2006, 09:27 AM

Has anyone ever replaced the ivory colored plastic knob on the Progress.
I really like my progress, I don't have any of the alignment problems other have had. I like it's simplicity of design compared to the Gillette adjustables. I don't now how anyone calls it a small razor, it's the same size as a Fatboy and weighs more. But like many I don't like the cheap plastic knob on the bottom and I wonder if anyone has ever replaced it. It wouldn't be difficult to turn a new knob out of the same Rosewood that I used for my brush handle, but I can't reall tell how thick the metal is on the socket the knob fits into and if it would survive removing of the plastic knob. Thanks. Bob.

**guenron** · 06-28-2006, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by cooncatbob

Has anyone ever replaced the ivory colored plastic knob on the Progress.
I really like my progress, I don't have any of the alignment problems other have had. I like it's simplicity of design compared to the Gillette adjustables. I don't now how anyone calls it a small razor, it's the same size as a Fatboy and weighs more. But like many I don't like the cheap plastic knob on the bottom and I wonder if anyone has ever replaced it. It wouldn't be difficult to turn a new knob out of the same Rosewood that I used for my brush handle, but I can't reall tell how thick the metal is on the socket the knob fits into and if it would survive removing of the plastic knob. Thanks. Bob.

A similar virus struck a group of lads over at SMF a few (couple?) of years back (The I-Hate-the-Plastic-Knob virus). One brave lad went and in a moment of sheer desparation or despair sliced off the plastic to find a diminutive metal knob under its cover. It was named the Progress C (C for circumsized).

**cooncatbob** · 06-28-2006, 12:52 PM

Thanks; That just what I wanted to know. I was thinking that the outer wall of the socket might be rather thin and Removing the plastic would mangle the scoket. So there's a metal stub in there so the plastic might have been injected molded right to the handle. I don't care for the plastic but I dont want mess up one of my favorite razors. Bob.

**cooncatbob** · 06-28-2006, 01:21 PM

Thanks; I went to SMF did a search found the topic and the Pics in the Gallery.
There no socket under the numbers it's all solid metal with a metal stub with knurling on it. So a simple knob with the proper sized hole could be epoxied onto the stub. I'm turning another brush handle so I think I'll try making a new knob.
Here's a pic from the SMF gallery of a progress with the knob removed.

**vox_rox** · 06-28-2006, 03:52 PM

Originally Posted by cooncatbob

There no socket under the numbers it's all solid metal with a metal stub with knurling on it. So a simple knob with the proper sized hole could be epoxied onto the stub. I'm turning another brush handle so I think I'll try making a new knob.

You know, with a nice, rich, dark wood, maybe even slightly flattened off on 5 sides for better adjustment, would look really nice. I bought the HD instead of the Progress for the very reason that the plastic end looks totally out of character for a precision shaving instrument.

Another thought it to machine a really nice little aluminum knob and you could even place it on the end with a tiny set screw or two instead of epoxy. All polished up, aluminum would match the chrome handle pretty closely, and aluminum is fairly easy to work with.

Or, how about just cutting the top off of a Pez dispenser and putting on the little knurled end?

Hmmm.....

Peace,

Pierre

**Austin** · 06-28-2006, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by guenron

A similar virus struck a group of lads over at SMF a few (couple?) of years back (The I-Hate-the-Plastic-Knob virus). One brave lad went and in a moment of sheer desparation or despair sliced off the plastic to find a diminutive metal knob under its cover. It was named the Progress C (C for circumsized).

**NMMB** · 06-29-2006, 05:55 AM

Originally Posted by cooncatbob

... I'm turning another brush handle so I think I'll try making a new knob...

You know, the "nasty" plastic tip was most of what has prevented me from purchasing a Progress... until now, that is. Now it looks like I'll either have to (a) buy one or (b) think of a new reason not to buy one; somehow I expect that the former will be more popular amongst the rank and file of B&B.

When you get around to turning a new knob for the Progress please be sure to post some pics so we can see how much better it looks.