I too was a Gilletteer until I read that same MSNBC article last October. After 20 years of weak shaves and chin bumps (and now that I have some gray whiskers — more ingrown hairs), I took a modest work bonus and took the plunge. I procured a Vulfix silvertip badger brush, a Merkur razor, Taylor Sandalwood soap and alcohol-free aftershave gel from ClassicShaving.com. It made all the difference in the world.

For the first time, shaving is something I look forward to. When my wife complained about my ooh-ing and aah-ing over the experience, I informed her that I was now into “Tantric Shaving.”

It took a while to get used to the Merkur, but I’m happy I endured the nick-rich learning curve. Not only is my shave better, but I’m saving a mint on Gillette’s true cash cow — the cartridge refill. When I’ve been traveling or in a hurry, I’ve used my old Mach 3, but then the bumps, etc., return with a vengeance.

Also, the Taylor of Old Bond Street creams and potions are well worth the price (and they last forever). Every time I smell the ancient aroma and look at the stately aftershave label (“Since the Reign of Queen Victoria”), I start talking like a British ex-pat touring colonial Hyderabad. This is how I discovered that I do a really crappy British accent.