I apologize in advance for the slightly wordy post.

I've just begun using straights - have about 20 - 25 shaves under my belt (still using DEs mostly during the week as it is much quicker for me). I have seen steady improvement in my ability to move the blade down, across and even against the grain. I do have some trouble spots where I can't seem to get the angle correct (curve of chin) and the right side of my face is still getting a slightly better shave than the left .

I have been using 4 different 5/8 hollow ground razors. I purchased a Dovo new from SRD and found 3 other shave readys through this forum and other shave forums. I believe that I have my stropping to the point where I am at least cleaning up and prepping the edge as opposed to doing any harm - so far only nicked my strop the first couple of times I used it. All 4 razors seem to be sharp - or at least they all feel roughly the same on my face and to my thumbpad.

My issue is that no matter how much I play with the angle, change up the lather (making it with more water), etc all 4 razors seem to drag and catch through my beard. This happens mostly going XTG and ATG so I understand there could be issues with my technique. However even when going with the grain, all 4 razors seem to drag a bit and they don't really do a whole lot to my beard. They do remove some growth but it is not exactly smooth no matter what angle I try to use. I'm not cutting myself up either so I think I'm on the right track as far as the angle is concerned. I feel that I've hit my first roadblock in shaving with straights.

I believe I read somewhere that a bigger, heavier blade is better for thick/wiry/strong beards. Is this true?
In addition to continue working on my shave and strop technique, should I try a bigger and heftier blade? Perhaps a 6/8 half hollow? It seems to make sense that the additional weight would help cut through the beard easier. But I'm turning to the experts for confirmation.

For what it's worth, I have to use DEs on the aggressive side like the R41, Fatip, slants to get a good shave. The popular 34C, DE89, etc simply don't work with my beard.

Any and all input/advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks SRP!