BAT CARE
Bat Care – Essential Information for a Long-Lasting Bat
A cricket bat is more than just a piece of equipment – it’s an investment and, for many players, a trusted companion at the crease. Like any natural product, a bat made from English willow needs proper care and attention to perform at its best and to last as long as possible.
Knocking In – The Most Important First Step
We strongly recommend that all bats are properly knocked in before they are used in matches or even in serious net sessions. Knocking in is a process that compresses and strengthens the fibres of the bat’s face and edges, helping to protect it from cracking or splitting under the impact of a hard cricket ball.
To give your bat the best possible start, we offer a professional knock-in service, which we encourage you to take advantage of. This process is carried out with care and precision, ensuring the bat is match-ready while preserving its structure and responsiveness.
Gentle Introduction to Play
Even after knocking in, we advise players to avoid using the bat in nets with poor-quality or overly hard balls. These can cause damage before the bat has fully adjusted to the rigours of match play.
Instead, we suggest:
• Continuing the knocking-in process manually if you’re doing it yourself.
• Using the bat initially with an older, softer cricket ball during light throwdowns or catching practice.
• Taking the time to get used to the feel, balance, and pickup of the bat – this helps both you and the bat adapt gradually.
A slow and careful introduction to play significantly reduces the chances of early damage and helps maintain the integrity of the blade over time.
Storage and General Maintenance
How you store and handle your bat also makes a big difference. We recommend:
• Keeping it in a cool, dry environment – avoid leaving it in the boot of a car or near heaters, where temperature changes can dry out or warp the willow.
• Regularly checking for signs of wear, especially around the toe, shoulders, and edges.
• Applying a light coat of bat oil (linseed oil) every couple of months to maintain moisture levels – but do not over-oil.
Warranty and Return Policy
It’s important to understand the different policies depending on the type of bat:
Workshop Stock Range Bats:
These bats are sold as seen, with no warranty or return option. This is because they may contain natural cosmetic imperfections or inconsistencies in the willow. While they still perform well when cared for properly, the nature of the wood means we cannot guarantee their longevity.
Custom-Made Bats:
Custom made bats come with no option for return or refund, only adjustment, All custom-made bats come with a six-month warranty or cover for one playing season (whichever comes first). This warranty covers any manufacturing defects, but not damage caused by neglect, misuse, edge striking or poor-quality balls.
Final Note
A cricket bat is a finely crafted item made from natural materials – no two bats are the same. With proper preparation, thoughtful use, and regular maintenance, your bat can serve you for many seasons. However, if used carelessly or not knocked in correctly, even the best quality bats can become damaged early in their life.
Treat your bat with care, and it will reward you with performance, feel, and longevity.