a tool info at ->
https://www.maya3d.dk/Scripts/MJPolyTools/
most important for me is the -> Edge Loop Split.
watch this pic below. let´s say you want to split around this 6X6=24 cube. if you have to split every edge by hand you grow old pretty fast. and with real dense objects you grow old fast with long white beard. so pick one edge and do an ELS. it divides all the edges right in the middle. additionally you might open the channelbox pick your loopsplit Input and MMB move the Slide attribute. very handy.
have fun!
everything starts and ends in the right place at the right time.