Cricket Bat Knocking In Service - Machine / Hand Knocking

Every new English willow cricket bat should be professionally knocked in before it is used. This is one of the most important stages in preparing a bat properly and can make a huge difference to both its performance and its longevity. Although modern cricket bats are pressed during manufacture, they are not ready to go straight into a match. The fibres on the face, edges and toe still need to be further compressed so they can withstand repeated impact from a hard cricket ball. Without proper knocking in, even the highest quality English willow bat is much more susceptible to deep seam marks, edge damage, toe damage and surface cracks. At OX29 we offer both traditional hand knocking in and professional machine knocking in, allowing you to choose the preparation method that best suits your preferences.

Why Is Knocking In Important?

The purpose of knocking in is to gradually compress the surface fibres of the willow. This creates a tougher outer layer that helps absorb the impact of the cricket ball while reducing the risk of damage. A properly knocked in bat will be far more resistant to:

• Toe damage
• Edge damage
• Surface cracking
• Deep seam indentations
• Premature fibre breakdown

While no cricket bat is indestructible, proper preparation gives your bat the best possible start and significantly improves its durability.

Our Knocking In Process

Every bat receives careful preparation before it leaves the workshop. Our process includes:

• Boning the toe and edges.
• Hand knocking the toe and edges.
• Machine knocking of the face, edges and toe using our specialist knocking in machine (approximately 13,000 controlled knocks).
• Oiling any exposed willow where required.
• Fitting a professional anti-scuff sheet for added surface protection.

Unlike some machine-only services, we still prepare the vulnerable areas of the bat by hand before the machine process begins, ensuring the edges and toe receive the attention they require, usually by boning them with a horse's shinbone, soaked in raw linseed oil for around a year prior to use.

Machine Knocking In

Our machine knocking in service is the option chosen by most customers. Using our specialist machine, the bat receives approximately 13,000 controlled knocks across the face, edges and toe, producing a consistent finish that would be extremely difficult to replicate by hand alone. Machine knocking provides excellent protection while allowing for a much quicker turnaround.

Typical turnaround: 2-3 working days

Hand Knocking In

For those who prefer a more traditional approach, we also offer a full hand knocking in service. This focuses on the toe and edges, rounding them off and hardening them. This process is carried out entirely by hand using a specialist bat mallet and naturally takes considerably longer to complete. Some players simply prefer knowing every part of the bat has been individually prepared by hand, while others enjoy the traditional craftsmanship behind the process.

Typical turnaround: 5-10 working days

Express Machine Knocking

Need your bat ready urgently? Our Express Machine Knocking service is completed the same working day, provided your bat arrives with us before 11:00am, Monday to Friday. This is ideal if you've bought a new bat at short notice or have a match coming up.

Always Remember

Even after professional knocking in, we always recommend playing your bat in gradually. Start with gentle throw-downs or older cricket balls before progressing to full match use with a new hard ball. This helps the willow continue to harden naturally under controlled conditions.

Important Information

• UK return delivery on all orders: £12.
• International return delivery available.
• Send in / Drop Off Information.
• Cases & bat sleeves will not be returned.
• Typical lead time during the cricket season can be 5-7 working days.
• Cricket bat shipping boxes are available to purchase separately.

Send Bats to: 29 Witney Road, Eynsham, Witney, Oxon, OX29 4PH.