I've tried the halfmoon stroke with some success but untill I got the 1.5" hones I was never quite happy with the edges. My Oohira and bbw/coti are both 1.5" and do a fantastic job on my less than flat bevels Some are just plane weird and the smaller hone just makes it easier for me.

I also believe that it would be different for every person and their particular honeing style.