Behind The Drawknife: Thoughts from the workshop

A Small Village in India Taught Me a Big Lesson

A Small Village in India Taught Me a Big Lesson

Samuel Cross

I started OX29 small - repairing bats, then making them - and sold cricket gear online to keep the lights on. eBay and Amazon taught me some hard lessons. I...

A Small Village in India Taught Me a Big Lesson

Samuel Cross

I started OX29 small - repairing bats, then making them - and sold cricket gear online to keep the lights on. eBay and Amazon taught me some hard lessons. I...

Butterfly Stain - More Than Just a Mark

Butterfly Stain - More Than Just a Mark

Samuel Cross

A closer look at butterfly-stained willow and what it really means for cricket bats. Far from being a cosmetic flaw, these clefts are denser, stronger, and full of character -...

Butterfly Stain - More Than Just a Mark

Samuel Cross

A closer look at butterfly-stained willow and what it really means for cricket bats. Far from being a cosmetic flaw, these clefts are denser, stronger, and full of character -...

Putting Your Bat Away for the Winter

Putting Your Bat Away for the Winter

Samuel Cross

Before you put your cricket bat away for winter, give it the once-over. Whether you need repairs, refurbishment, or just proper storage, here’s how to keep your bat performing next...

Putting Your Bat Away for the Winter

Samuel Cross

Before you put your cricket bat away for winter, give it the once-over. Whether you need repairs, refurbishment, or just proper storage, here’s how to keep your bat performing next...

Is There Really a Cricket Bat Shortage?

Is There Really a Cricket Bat Shortage?

Samuel Cross

There’s been plenty of talk about a “bat crisis” and English willow shortages, but from where I’m standing, that’s not the full story. Here’s my take on what’s really going...

Is There Really a Cricket Bat Shortage?

Samuel Cross

There’s been plenty of talk about a “bat crisis” and English willow shortages, but from where I’m standing, that’s not the full story. Here’s my take on what’s really going...

Cricket Bat Myths That Need Retiring

Cricket Bat Myths That Need Retiring

Samuel Cross

Tradition is great, but some bat care tips are pure myth. From 10-hour knocking-in and oil-as-a-cure-all to toe guards, grain counts, and garage storage - here’s a straight-talking guide from...

Cricket Bat Myths That Need Retiring

Samuel Cross

Tradition is great, but some bat care tips are pure myth. From 10-hour knocking-in and oil-as-a-cure-all to toe guards, grain counts, and garage storage - here’s a straight-talking guide from...

Why I Don’t Press Other Bat Brands

Why I Don’t Press Other Bat Brands

Samuel Cross

Many people ask if I’ll re-press bats from other brands. The answer is no - and for good reason. Pressing defines a bat’s character and shouldn’t be altered once done....

Why I Don’t Press Other Bat Brands

Samuel Cross

Many people ask if I’ll re-press bats from other brands. The answer is no - and for good reason. Pressing defines a bat’s character and shouldn’t be altered once done....