HD - when I was out chopping with my Reg a little while ago I found (as you instructed) that the leverage was much improved if I held as far back on the handle as possible. I didn't work at it long enough to get very sweaty, but my hands were getting wet and a little concern about losing grip on (and/or control of) the knife overcame me.

Do you ever use a "safety lanyard" for this type of application?