I've spent a few months with traditional straights, but recently I got a feather to try. I was blown away with the shave I got from the feather. Beat anything I have ever had with a traditional straight. They are diffrent because the feather requires the lightest touch possible. As far as learning to use a traditional by using the feather, I would say it gives you some idea of the angle and the ability you need with a traditional straight. However, it is much sharper, and it isn't exactly the same method that I use with a traditional straight (I streatch less and use diffrent angles with the feather).

You might spoil yourself on the featherif you get used to it because you can never achieve the sharpness (including the lubrication on the edge, etc.) that you get with a feather, on a traditional straight. That being said there is a razor out there for everyone, look around and find yours even if its a bic.