Boar Bristles and Coad (wax) – I have them!

I am now well supplied with actual boar bristles for the making of waxed ends used in shoemaking. The common substitute is monofilament fishing line, but once you work with boar bristles, you will never go back to monofilament! There is something about the natural fiber that makes the thread stick better, they’re splittable, and it’s what the old dead guys used. If you’re interested in some, drop me a note and we’ll talk!


I also have a large supply of synthetic coad (shoemaker’s wax) which I can make available also. At some point, I plan to actually make the real thing, and I already have all the ingredients, but there are a lot of projects to catch up on!

17 thoughts on “Boar Bristles and Coad (wax) – I have them!”

  1. I’d be really keen to get some bristles if they are still available – would you be able to send them to New Zealand?

  2. Just curious if you had more information regarding waxes for leather finishing and protection? I want to create a black, waxed out (very matte, very rough) finish on my shoes/products and wondering how…
    You seem informed.

    Thanks

    1. Hi Myles, thanks for the comment. Starting in the 16th C., there is evidence for waxed leather boots and shoes, presumably where the grain of the leather is on the inside of the shoe, and the flesh side (well curried, of course) is on the outside, waxed with hot wax (probably beeswax) and rubbed down very well to give a smoother, but still matte, finish. If you don’t have a copy of Garsault’s 18th C. book, I can take a look and see what he says about waxed shoes/boots. The shoemaker’s shop at Colonial Williamsburg (available on Facebook) might also have some insight.

  3. Hi

    I tried to contact you through Etsy, but I may leave a note in there in case.
    It’s unfortunately very hard to find some in France. May it be possible to buy some from you ?

    Thanks

    1. It would be my pleasure. I will be sure to get in touch with you through Etsy (I saw your note there). Thank you for the interest!

  4. Boar bristles? I would certainly like to get some if you still have them available
    I want to learn this kind of stitching ;I was glad to learn monofilament can be used, as I reckoned I might not find these
    But of course The Real Thing’s much preferred

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