How many here shave against the grain, and to what degree (first pass, second pass, etc)?
hack
I shave against the grain every day. It's the third pass: first, with the grain, second, across the grain, third, against the grain. No problems to date.
Against the grain is harder to master, since you have to supply the pressure, and it's easy to apply too much. And it's harder to maintain good blade angle. But if you can do that, you might give it a try.
Am I in the army? Am I on parade? Am I under inspection?" Answer - NO!
Comfort over razorburn is for me everytime!
For me, the third pass is always against the grain. After that, I use a disposable Gillette to touch up any rough spots.