Fileteuse VS Improvised Soldering Iron

[Leveticus]

Hi all, 

First post, though I have been a long time spectator. Only recently gotten in to working with leather (since the Covid lockdown) and I'd like to invest in a tool.  

I've been using the cheap improvised soldering iron from China, with the brass tips for creasing pockets etc. I find the heat very inconsistent and perhaps due to the ergonomics (being so thin and long), it often slips off track leaving me with jagged lines. 

I spent a lot of money on leather last month, however I've barely touched any of it after finding most of the cheap tools I bought were unstable (and also that the leather needed thinning for the aesthetic I am after). So I sent them to be split, bought a heap of offcuts which I've been using to practice on and gradually buying the tools I need. Anyway next month I'd like to buy something else to make me utilise the leather I have.

I already have a desktop manual skiver (knock off scharf fix) from China, which is quite good at skiving once you get the hang of it (after wasting tons of leather). I'd much rather a splitter however they are too expensive. I've read the 6inch splitters can't split anything wider than 3 inches, which is useless to me. If I could get 4 inches through it consistently, it would be a different story. (Can I?)

My main question is, is the actual fileteuse easier to use, and worth the money? Anyone have any other suggestions? I only want to spend £300, which would buy me a simple fileteuse set-up from China, with perhaps one or two tips. I could live with that if it's a good investment. 

Please advise.