Maybe it is easier to shove a piece of sheet metal under the top, wherever it might land. Or maybe pick it up with a dustpan (That is not a tested procedure! Proceed at own risk!)
I just tested the pick up with a dustpan. It works good for me. I might use that technique now to teach myself to balance a top that spins counterclockwise on my palm. I am left handed, that leads t the top usually spinning in clockwise direction. But for a trick I plan to learn I need the top spinning counterclockwise and the balancing with that spin direction is not yet possible for me.
[/quote]
Dustpan pickup,,,i will try that😁