Knocking in is the process by which the fibres of the willow blade are compressed and knitted together to help prevent damage from the impact of a cricket ball. This is best done by using an old ball or bat mallet. It is not sufficient to hit a few balls in the nets or in the garden. Knocking in should be done in a patient and thorough manner and should take no less than 6 hours in total. To a large extent, the effective life of your bat is determined by the thoroughness of your knocking in process. You are trying to make the toe and edges in particular harder than when the bat was purchased, to minimise the damage from an edged stroke.
How to knock your bat in.
1.Using an old ball or bat mallet like a hammer and deflect gently off the edges the way a ball might in a game.
2.Increase the force and work the edges until they show a rounded, compact appearance.
3.Use the bat to hit short catches (i.e. very light work on the face) or bounce a cricket ball up and down on the face.
4.Use the bat in the nets against old softer balls.
5.Use the bat in the nets against newer balls.
OILING CARE
Far too many bats coming back for repair have been over-oiled. There is a danger that you can damage the wood fibres by over oiling. It is better not to oil than to over-oil. Bats with a covered front do not need oiling other than perhaps a very light coat to the toe to avoid water getting in and causing the wood to swell.
How to oil your bat.
1.Using a soft rag, apply a light coat of oil to the front, edges, toe and back of the bat blade. DO NOT OIL THE SPLICE AREA.
2.Keep bat in a horizontal position.
3.Only use raw linseed oil (it is recommended that 2 to 3 coats are applied)
4.Allow each coat to dry before the next coat is applied.
