I shaved with DE Feather for years before making the jump into straight blades last year. Absolutely loved the Feathers, but wanted a BB shave.
Now.. I did get what I was looking for, but not once (not.a.single.time) did I have a relaxing smooth shave. When I say "smooth" I mean the blade simply glides on the face.. no pressure, no forcing the blade down the cheek. It doesn't pull at my face, I don't have to fight it to cut the stubble.
I own 2 blades, a 6/8" Bismark from Lynn Abrams and a Toledo blade from Whipped Dog.
Most likely my technique completely sucked in the beginning, but in a year I think I got better at it (stropping included).
I'm going to send both blades for resharpening and then try again without stropping, just to make sure I'm not dulling them.

So.. question for the group? Is your shave a relaxing & smooth one? Do I need to reset my expectations, i.e. shaving with a straight blade won't be as smooth as a DE one?

tnx!