I just got back last night from my trip to the Czech Republic from the 10th to the 30th during which time I used my merkur slant the entire time as I didn't want to take any straights or a strop with me. I found I was able to consistently get BBS shaves no problem with 2 passes and limited using any blade to just 3 shaves as usually the 4th would come out a little bad. I used mainly feather blades with an astra keramik one now and then but have come to really like the feathers and can get away without any nicks using them now.
I didn't shave for the last like 4 days and just shaved today with my DD Wonderedge a little while ago, didn't get a really great shave but still quite close and no nicks. Think I need to use straights again for a while to get the hang of it again, but I was never really able to get consistently great shaves like I did with the DE while away. I've had some trouble getting really close on some spots on my neck as well with a straight that the DE makes quick work of. I did chop through quite a bit of growth today though in 2 passes so I'm sure that has part to do with it as well. I do tend to get some ingrown hairs from the DE though that was primarily why I didn't shave for the last 4 days I wanted everything to heal so I could get a good shave without any red spots ... thats really where I'm trying to get to. I get some now and then with a straight also though.
I think the DE seems a bit easier to use than a straight, being smaller its easier to get some of the more difficult areas on the chin and neck. I'll just use straights for a while now though so I can get the hang of it again and hopefully get better. Just thought I'd share :)