Being lazy, I prefer Balax Thredfloer forming taps over cutting taps. No chip, no backing up. Of course you can break them if not careful/lucky, and they ain't cheap. Once I started using them I can't go back to what I consider primitive cutting taps. I don't work in hard materials, so don't know about that. Brass, alum, and softer steels is OK.
Get them anywhere like MSC, etc. and they go down to 000-120?. They come in all styles of bottoming. Made in USA.
Good holding and guiding and lubricant is essential.