The Chinese lasting pincers in your original post on this subject would be far, far, better than all the make-shift alternatives you have mentioned. If it were me, I'd buy a narrow jawed version and a wide jawed version. (I actually have 14 pairs of pincers in three different styles, distributed between two work stations...don't get me started on hammers
![smile :)](./images/smilies/smilie.gif)
).
The Swedish/German/Berg style pincers are good but not cheap ordinarily. Even those coming out of Eastern Europe are going to be more than you're looking at in the original post.
My feeling is...and I apologize if this seems confrontational (I'm just trying to give the best advice I can from over 45 years experience)...is that if you're not ready to commit to the physical, mental and monetary investment necessary to acquire proper shoemaking tools, you should probably be looking at another trade.
Just my personal opinion...take it for what it's worth.
DWFII--HCC Member
Instagram
Without "good" there is no "better," without "better," no "best."
And without the recognition that there is a hierarchy of excellence in all things, nothing rises above the level of mundane.