Obie's has beeswax and propolis, a derivative of the bees "comb" and no mink oil. I think that you are thinking of "Montana Pitch Blend", another US-made H2O-"proofer" and one I have used a lot.
It WILL add a hard "glaze" to any leather and I like it for knife sheaths, belts and any other such items, but, prefer Obie's for boots. Any wax or oil will eventually tend to loosen rubber rands and I totally agree on amounts of this on your boots.
I just saw, somewhere, a boot with an "eVent" lining and that really does interest me, as my experience with this material ahs been just outstanding. I am past winter N. 3, wearing an ID "Thruhiker" everyday in Vancouver and it has been known to "sprinkle" here and not one leak...so, like most gear, we may yet see advances that will make things easier.
I intend to try the Kene's stuff, I am always interested in better footwear,given the orthopaedic issues I have. I want the "Mountain Safari" boots and then will use their goop on them.
