Mark, welcome to SRP
Now everyone else don't fall off your collective computer chairs :D
Your problem with the GD, is in the honing, they will take and keep an edge but they are just not always so easy to get them there, as many of them have issues beyond simple honing..
Not the best razor IMO by any means, but they will shave...
If your beard is heavy and thick then target a 1/2 hollow or heavier, but don't get the wrong idea from that suggestion, a full hollow used correctly will slice it nice too, but it is easier for somebody new and with a heavy beard to use the inertia from the heavier grinds at first.. You might change later you might not.. 6/8 and larger razors have a heavy spine and heftier tang that also helps with control..
Might I also suggest putting your location into your profile, you might find somebody is close enough to help out in person... Getting the GD honed back to a shave ready condition might be the smartest first option for you to try next,,, if that doesn't work then perhaps the DE with Feathers is the right option...
PS: You would need a Clean everyday strop, there is no doubt about it, you might need a separate Pasted strop or a Barber's Hone too if your beard is as tuff as you seem to think.. Only time will tell, but you need to strop the razor before each use at the very least,,, most start with 25 Linen and 50 leather laps, you might have to adjust that up or down but that is a good starting point...