Good topic... I've thought about making the switch myself. My facial hair is thin and patchy too... but I really like how close I can shave with my Gillette Fusion Power (the orange one that uses a AAA battery to make it vibrate). I only shave twice a week... and I'd say I use a new blade every month or so. By the end of the month it just starts to feel like I'm tugging at the hair a bit and I have to change the blade. I only have to buy a 4-pack of blades about 3 times a year... but it kills me every time to fork out that much dough for it. One small tip that you may already know. To make your blades last long, dry them off with a towel after use and keep them in a dry place. It increases their life by at least a couple weeks. Also, if you really want to make them last, blow-dry them with a hair dryer after use.