The toe plate is called a toe tap. It's supposed to stop the front of the sole from wearing out faster than the mid foot pad. A steel toe is something else used in industrial foot wear to prevent the toe box from being crushed. Brass is more luxurious because it can be sanded easier into the leather sole. Steel would be something used in England extensively more than the United States. The screws would need to be a tapered head with a full thread up to the taper and sanded flush to the toe tap. If the toe tap isn't sanded flush, the screws will snag carpet & rugs. As horrible as it seems walking on concrete tends to level every thing out. The toe tap won't prevent the toe wear from sidewalk gaps unfortunately. Leather soled shoes are for indoor use being concrete actively destroys them without a top lift on the wear surfaces. The main issue with top lifts is that they add weight. When moisturizing leather, it is important to avoid the stitching because it can make the holes bigger & degrade the thread. It's best to rub it into the stress areas & bends. You do nice work & eventually will become a master craftsman in short order.
I agree with you, you really did do an OUTSTANDING job on this pair! The shapes and aesthetics of shoe are very smooth. Im sure they're comfortable too.😁 Where did you find those toe plates? Did you make them yourself?
I really like having a face to match the effort and skill involved. I watch many craftsman; woodworking, cobbling, gardening; anyone with skill and pride in their work. It's nice to put a face to the effort, thank you.