Bahler, A stichaxt seems like a feasible alternative to a slick. Your detailed description is most helpful. What I will have to do is give some thought to my workflow, in order to choose for the tool best suited for my purposes.

Don, that's a good point about the rounded top side. My combination of a Tormek and a small diamond lap stone somewhat evades any issues with steadying the tool, though.

The japanese slicks seem to have straight handles. Rehandling, however still remains an option. I'm really two minds about the slightly hollowed backs. They do make flattening effortless, but yet I'm slightly suspicious about the whole thing. I realize though, that it's a feature well thought out.