cossack,
If I may add this small group of pix and my explanations, to try and answer your question about the use of tooth picks and other odd items, to simulate chipped paint effects to model aircraft.
On page 9 of this Gb forum is the A6M2 Zero that Glen, [aka 150Man {one of the Scale Magic co founders}] had built, using a pin head, scalpal blade and emery board, from his interpretation of seeing my Catalina anf the Ki 61Hien.
#1
A Dewoitine D 520. I highlighted the panel lines with a tech pen [fine felt tip pen], a silver roller ball pen smeared to replicate chipped paint and pastels to similate exhaust and cordite stains.
#2
A catalina PBY 5. I painted the main wing and fuselage as two seperate components with Tamiya AS-12, then applied the cam and decals, when the decals were set I sealed them, then rubbed an emery board over the entire two assemblies of the model. thenfitted the small radar antenia, radio mast and a brass wire DF loop before glueing the wings to the fuselage.
Note: This model was built for the RAAF OTS as part of their list of contracted builds.
#3.
A Ki 61 Hien 'Tony'
This model was painted in Tamiya AS-12 before the IJA Dark Green was applied, a tooth pick was used on the fuselage and cowling, to chip the green away, the wing was done using the edge of a file. The cordite and exhaust stains are pastel
I hope this helps in some way.