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So, I tried the Gillette Fusion Power (the new 5-bladed razor).

For the first time since I’ve started shaving, they’ve introduced a new razor where I really can’t tell the difference between the new one and the previous one. Each of the models before this has been a marked improvement over its predecessor. This one - not so much. It may actually be ever so slightly worse. It feels somewhat smoother, but also not quite as close. The M3Power was a near-perfect compromise on that front.

Honestly, it’s difficult to tell, because they’re both great. If you have an M3Power, I see no reason to change. If you don’t, this is a fine alternative.

Every Friday, Amazon has a Friday Sale, in which they mark down 120 or so items.

I usually browse the sale to see if there’s anything interesting. If I find something that’s similar to something I’ve used before, or that I’d consider buying, or that’s just a really great deal, I’ll list it here.

Today, it’s the Camelbak. I have a few of these, but not this model. They’re great for any sort of outdoor exercise (it’s almost warm enough here to start biking again), or just for walking around. This one has a few pockets, but not a lot of storage space, so it’ll encourage you to stay light. It holds 2 liters of water - their newest design is very easy to fill.

Buy the Camelbak Rogue Pack from Amazon Friday Sale.

When I was in high school, there were TV ads for a vibrating handle that took Gillette Atra blades, called the “Freedom Blade”. The vibration was supposed to make your hair stand up on end, so it could be more easily cut close to the skin. I don’t think they sold very many of them, or at least, the commercials didn’t last long. A few years ago, I heard a rumor that they’d been bought by Gillette, and now there’s the M3 Power, the latest in their line of triple-bladed Mach 3 razors.

The Mach 3 has never been the closest of shaves, but it excels at comfort. It’s possible that I’ve never cut myself once in many years of using one. It does very well with long swaths and 3-day growth, but I always finish up with a Sensor for closeness. The M3 Power does better than its predecessor, and it’s even more comfortable. It is particularly good around the corners of my mouth, which are hard to get at.

The vibration is a small thing, but I find that it has a noticeable effect. Given a choice, I’ll take it.

Buy the M3 Power from Amazon.

I like the Reach Access flosser. My dentist is always telling me I should floss more. Like most people, I just find it a pain. I’ve tried a few flossing assist tools over the years, but this is the first one that really hit the sweet spot between ease of use, convenience, and disposability. It’s long and thin, so it fits in the cup with my toothbrush. For each use, there’s a small removable plastic U with a string of floss between it. I still feel like a little bit of a bad person for throwing away excess plastic when I don’t have to, but at least my gums are clean. I suppose that the environmental impact is less than it would be for periodontic surgery.

Buy the Reach Access Flosser from Amazon.

This little pill case is very well engineered and constructed. It’s solid, without being heavy. It has an O-Ring seal, so it’s waterproof. If you have any pills you have to carry around with you, or you just want to be prepared for the occasional headache, this is an ideal solution.

Buy the Stainless Steel Keychain Pill Fob from Herrington Catalog.