I've always found holding the hone in my hand much more comfortable. I probably hold it at about 1-2 o'clock (in my left hand) and I find myself tilting it a bit so the inside of my hand is slightly lower. That just seems to be the most comfortable position and as a result I can do my most comortable stroke and consequently fastest. Oh, and I've never had any problems flipping the razor over the spine. I suppose it was a little harder to learn at first, but it really is a fast movement. I really can't see how flipping it over the edge would be any faster....if anything it would be slower since you would need to lift the razor off the hone after each stroke to avoid hitting the edge.