Quote Originally Posted by AFDavis11 View Post
Cheat. Put your pinky under the scales to stop the scales from dropping which will keep the blade flat.
I do it just as Alan says with an added twist that works for me. My index finger is very lightly on the shank with the razor balanced between the thumb and 2nd finger. Exactly as shown in this barber manual. The pinky under the scales and my index finger on top of the shank, together, helps me detect the slightest change on the hone. Most of my honing stroke is from the shoulder joint.

May or may not work for you. Made it much easier for me.