Hey Park99, I've been absent for a while but I'm glad you decided to join the sly family. I've got several post on the site describing how I've continuously tried to balance the desire to be completely smooth with the reality of razor bumps. I think I have tried every shaving method and black mans shaving cream, razor, bump fighter cream and gel, and depilatory out there. By no means do I claim to be an expert, but I've been shaving my head for over 12 years now. Based on my experience I'd say no to shaving against the grain on the back of your head, as for the top and sides I'd say go for it.
I've found the most success after joining this site. A tale of my story can be found here:
"Click Here - And Scroll down a little and read my post"I've consistently been using a combination of Head Blade Sport triple blade, headwash, headshed, headslick mixed with shave secret oil, a cold water rinse, followup with witch hazel and Scalp Doctor. I shave from front to back all across my head (From forhead and temples to neck line). I shave daily. I use to shave every other day, but have learned that daily shaving although tedious provides the best results. I touch up around my ears and right at my neck line with the edger blade on my Fusion razor. I shave while in the shower and have gotten it down to about 5 minutes or less.
Shaving against the grain on the top and sides works perfectly well for me, but shaving against the grain in the back, particularly around my neckline is a NO WIN situation. I've learned to deal with it. But daily shaving and use of the headblade with the products mentioned about keep me the smoothest and most razor bump free that I have been since shaving (consistantly).
So if you get a minute read the link I posted above, and really you have to try different things to see what works best for you. I use to be an avid bumpfighter and bump patrol user, but the Scalp doctor product has both of those product beat hands down. I think you are on the right track using the head blade. I'd suggest going over the entire head at least twice, and try touching up problem areas with the fusion. The headblade, headslick, and shave secret oil provide an incredibly close shave. The cold water rinse closes your pores, the witchhazel cleans, and the Scalp doctor cleans, protects, and prevents razor bumps. Give em a try.
Good luck. If I can help out any further just let me know. And welcome to the sly family once again.