Josh, shoulderless grinds are far easier than shouldered grinds, but you're right: you do have to prevent the blade turning into the wheel, or you're going to wind up gouging the blade. Just use light cuts and keep the blade roughly square with the wheel. Honestly, it's easier if you start shoulders, round them off, and proceed from there. When you've got enough hollow in the blade, it's harder for it to hit the wheel. Just remember to not turn the tang into the wheel. It's almost automatic.