speaking of wax, I know of nobody who sells unwaxed flat string. I used the round string sold to me with the Oratex. I have and do encourage others to strip the wax from the flat thread and use that. I believe John and I know Carl has done this. It is just my opinion but I believe the look is better if you use flat string. It will also makes applying the reinforcing tapes easier. The unwaxed round string is taller which makes the tapes want to bunch up on the edges. It works out in the end but it takes additional effort that you may appreciate not experiencing by using that effort in stripping wax from flat thread.