@thenewreligion do you mind sharing a little about the first pair of lacers you have planned? Maybe I can help narrow down to a concrete plan, just to get you started.
I have some Tandy and Hasi-Hato eyelets with hand tools that I’d be more than happy to part with if they’re a fit for you. As my recent foray into Trendware distribution shows, I’ve decided to run with solid-brass USMC AA eyelets for the heavier work I’m mostly focusing on. But going all that way may not be the best choice for you right now. I ended up there going way deeper than I originally anticipated.