I'll agree with the straight razor love. When I used to go to the barber that was my favorite part of the experience. Maybe Ill have to look into it again.
Currently I use the vibraty Mach 3 and I love it. I didn't really notice alot of difference on my face when i bought the powered one but there was a huge difference on my head. I hardly ever cut noggin anymore. I tried the vibrating Fusion and didn't like it at all. It irritated the hell out of my neck and generally just hurt to shave with so I went back to the Mach 3.
I'm not sure if it would help any more with the thick beard or not but I use this stuff for my head and love it
headslick . If you want to try it don't order it online. They sell it cheaper at Walgreens.