Bill Bailey's Tying Wax
Tying Wax as described by the last of the Grand Masters, T.E. Pryce-Tannatt:
“As to wax, the ordinary cobbler’s is I think, the best. Again, if one is very particular, some flies may appear to require their tying silk treated with so-called colourless (white) wax. This never grips so well as the cobbler’s wax, and deteriorates rather quickly. Either kind of wax should be kept in pieces about the size of peas in water.”
In a later chapter he suggests the use of: ”A course linen linen apron—though it may look ridiculous—is a great convenience” in removing wax from your fingers.
Our friend Bill Bailey has re-created both the cobbler’s and white wax per their 19th Century recipes using the highest quality ingredients.
You get a piece of each, Cobbler’s and White. The wax has some unique properties in that it is hard at room temperature and will probably break your thread if you try and wax your thread as is. Held in your hand for a minute becomes pliable like taffy; continue pinching an edge or section to soften it to the consistency of putty and then wax your thread.