Are any other Str build players having issues?

I feel like with the faster and higher numbers of enemies, Dark Souls 3 seems to almost be discouraging people from using anything other than the Longsword, or its variations. I might be crazy and just need to get gud, but whenever I try to use any heavy strength weapon, enemies will just knock me out of the swing animation. There never seems to be a very safe time to attack with, say, the Greatsword, because no matter what the enemy will likely be able to get a quick swing in before I make contact, and knock me out. It is so frustrating, since I've played most of my Dark 1 and 2 playthroughs as a strength character. Has anyone else been experiencing this, or am I just crazy?