Well, yes I use a back up "block". It could be made oy hard rubber, micarta - curved or flat, or sometimes even a popsicle stick but use what you have used in the past if the sanding was coming out well except for streaking . You do want to save those nice edges you work so hard tio grind in.
Great looking knives Shane !!!! Frank
PJ234 you should be getting excellent results. Is it possible you are trying to do too much with the hand sanding or have started at too fine a grit?
Paul, I do believe this is what your explaining ?
-Josh