I've used both techniques. I use the J-hook sometimes on the back of my head where the grain seems to go in different directions. And I've used buffing, primarily with a 3-piece razor (or two piece) or my Krona because I find them to be easier to buff with. I haven't liked buffing with most TTOs so far.
For me, these two techniques are mostly for after the first or second pass, not for the earlier passes.
For me, these two techniques are mostly for after the first or second pass, not for the earlier passes.