My bp is 10 months old and reacts the same way but in saying that I found that the sooner I accepted it and was more comfortable with it I could notice a change in Moko. I usually say the same thing to him when he recoils "it's ok big guy" always in a more comforting voice than my usual pitch. (with a couple reassuring pets, and his head resting in my hand)
After three weeks I can see a change in his demeanor and he has less reactions . Now when I put him down he's not afraid of my hands and it's usually where he heads. Each time I hold him I'll study his demeanor first, there are times when he just doesn't want to be held, he wakes up pretty grumpy and I try to avoid waking him. When I pet him I always start mid body and work my way up , and I let him see my free hand , then with my free hand I go towards the under side of his head , he doesn't flinch nearly as much. Whether it's the vibration of my voice when reassuring him or the fact that he sees my free hand approach first I'm not sure but it works for him and getting to know his moods and personality first has paid off big time. A mutual understanding, I love him and he tolerates me