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Forum News and Suggestions => Old Advertisers => Admin Board => Aldred Cricket Bats => Topic started by: Aldred Cricket Bats on March 21, 2014, 03:28:20 PM

Title: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: Aldred Cricket Bats on March 21, 2014, 03:28:20 PM
Ok just a little post I've done whilst in the workshop today for those who aren't confident with knocking their bats in.
http://youtu.be/3BzoUurP35E (http://youtu.be/3BzoUurP35E)
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 21, 2014, 03:48:51 PM
Huumm.. Now I like your bat ...
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: Aldred Cricket Bats on March 21, 2014, 03:51:23 PM
Huumm.. Now I like your bat ...

It is a nice grade 1 made to gold sovereign shape. It's 2-10 finished was a 3-8 in its raw form handled. Have some beauties waiting actually in grade 1 and players in the 3-6 weight range at the moment and have even more arriving at the end of next week  :D
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: smilley792 on March 21, 2014, 03:57:39 PM
Nice video.


Where can I get hold of one of those mallets?? Cheers
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 21, 2014, 04:00:39 PM
It is a nice grade 1 made to gold sovereign shape. It's 2-10 finished was a 3-8 in its raw form handled. Have some beauties waiting actually in grade 1 and players in the 3-6 weight range at the moment and have even more arriving at the end of next week  :D

Pm me a price etc .. I did like that
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: Aldred Cricket Bats on March 21, 2014, 04:10:01 PM
Nice video.


Where can I get hold of one of those mallets?? Cheers

Good question I looked round for one for yonks with no luck then managed to ply it out the hands of a cricket shop owner that I make some stuff for. I think you can get similar ones in the construction trade I think Thor hammers do them, take a look I have seen something similar.
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: Aldred Cricket Bats on March 21, 2014, 04:15:57 PM
If you look at our budget deal you can pick up players and grade 1 just like the one in the video for a great price if you had a mate who wanted one at the same time or if you even were feeling flush and greedy and wanted two or more to yourself.
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: smilley792 on March 21, 2014, 04:31:20 PM
Good question I looked round for one for yonks with no luck then managed to ply it out the hands of a cricket shop owner that I make some stuff for. I think you can get similar ones in the construction trade I think Thor hammers do them, take a look I have seen something similar.

Cheers, I actually have a smaller one I use for removing ice from vaporisers. But it's that battered, and mucky I wouldn't touch my bat with it,
Off to find it's brand and see if I can find a larger one from it.
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: smilley792 on March 21, 2014, 05:25:53 PM
Right found the website


http://www.thorhammer.com/Products/ (http://www.thorhammer.com/Products/)

Many hammers, many materials? But non mention for working with wood/soft wood, any idea which one would suit best?
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: Aldred Cricket Bats on March 21, 2014, 05:35:49 PM
You'd be best getting in touch with them
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: praguetaz on March 21, 2014, 05:36:33 PM
Great video and wholeheartedly agree that knocking in is the first stage of getting to know your bat. Just holding it whilst knocking in also helps me in my mind to decide whether it's right for me too as unfortunately I've never bought/ordered a custom bat just for me.. not sure I'd know what to order although this season I'm under the impression from the marks of previous seasons and net sessions that I need a higher middle so focusing more on knocking in a little higher than the sweet spot to get it to open up. Have a few grains/blemishes on a custom made Woodstock TDF Platinum that I bought off ebay last season from a guy who I think didn't give the bat time to open up from knocking in etc and used in perhaps in 1 match or so as it's mint except for a slight 0.5 cm crack on the edge 2 inches from the shoulder. He said he caught a fast one and that was it for him and sold it.

As per the video though I'm sure the throw downs and net sessions will be the real test and final stages of the whole process until playing in the first matches of the season. Then it's all up to me... :o
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: trypewriter on March 21, 2014, 06:15:42 PM
Right found the website


[url]http://www.thorhammer.com/Products/[/url] ([url]http://www.thorhammer.com/Products/[/url])

Many hammers, many materials? But non mention for working with wood/soft wood, any idea which one would suit best?


google thor 8126 might be what you want
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: brokenbat on March 21, 2014, 07:06:17 PM
Nice video. You mention, that during throwdowns, "you'll know when its ready". Does that mean, progress to semi-new balls? Or 'match ready'?
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: acko109 on March 21, 2014, 08:11:45 PM
Beautiful bat.. beautiful haircut.. im truly jealous !
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: Wickets-then-runs on March 21, 2014, 09:05:25 PM
Hi Paul, I know that, willow being a natural product,mothered is huge variation from cleft to cleft, but is that bat of yours in the video typical of the size of one of your bats at 2.10? That is massive! They say the camera adds 10 pounds but this time, it's added to the bat!  :)
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: Aldred Cricket Bats on March 21, 2014, 09:37:17 PM
Beautiful bat.. beautiful haircut.. im truly jealous !

Yes got a bit of a billy whizz hairdo going on at the mo. Need to get it cut.
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: Aldred Cricket Bats on March 21, 2014, 09:40:39 PM
Hi Paul, I know that, willow being a natural product,mothered is huge variation from cleft to cleft, but is that bat of yours in the video typical of the size of one of your bats at 2.10? That is massive! They say the camera adds 10 pounds but this time, it's added to the bat!  :)

Well we try and use clefts relevant to the weight needed so for example if someone wants a bat 2-10 I try and use a cleft that's weighing in the 3-8 area so we can keep as much wood in them as possible. It doesn't always work exactly to that but that's my main guideline 
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: acko109 on March 21, 2014, 09:48:37 PM
Yes got a bit of a billy whizz hairdo going on at the mo. Need to get it cut.
dont cut it ! i was in amazement the whole video.. impressed !
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: Aldred Cricket Bats on March 21, 2014, 09:56:26 PM
Nice video. You mention, that during throwdowns, "you'll know when its ready". Does that mean, progress to semi-new balls? Or 'match ready'?

Good quality used balls are perfect.
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: lewis_faulds on March 21, 2014, 10:23:44 PM
Well, I get to know my bats with a quiet lunch together in a local   :D
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: Aldred Cricket Bats on March 22, 2014, 10:17:15 AM
Well we try and use clefts relevant to the weight needed so for example if someone wants a bat 2-10 I try and use a cleft that's weighing in the 2-8 area so we can keep as much wood in them as possible. It doesn't always work exactly to that but that's my main guideline

I will perhaps try and put some pics in of the cleft we start with and what it's like when shaped up so you get an idea, I have a nice gold sovereign one to make for procricketer today so I can get it out with another order of his and it need to sit with some oil so will try and do that today maybe.
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: Aldred Cricket Bats on March 22, 2014, 12:17:39 PM
Ok as promised pics of the cleft we started with note the weight and then the cleft shaped to the desired weight needed before binding and gripping. This will be 2-11 finished in this state it's 2-8 will pick up a lot lighter than its weight for sure
(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t472/Aldredcricket/c8faf9564bc56f94fc0cf42e9e5d8f59_zps4e38d87a.jpg)
(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t472/Aldredcricket/80dbaa926e51cf3d5a34983b04524a1a_zps9d9e0ee6.jpg)
(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t472/Aldredcricket/67c58bba2bb2283b6e552b5ac1bff145_zpsfbd88b3a.jpg)
(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t472/Aldredcricket/4a63f8e1d8112d7fb888347aec29bc80_zps763aa870.jpg)
(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t472/Aldredcricket/82ac92bb030804a8e7705296065ee5a5_zps2cc80afc.jpg)
(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t472/Aldredcricket/e24466735202569e9e62f8003a686c23_zpsaf8b2d03.jpg)
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: Aldred Cricket Bats on March 22, 2014, 12:46:58 PM
What you reckon procricketer think its big enough for you  :D
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 22, 2014, 01:49:15 PM
What you reckon procricketer think its big enough for you  :D

Nom nom nom nom nom
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: i12breakfree on March 22, 2014, 02:41:02 PM
Love the pics above. Hopefully will place an order soon.
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on March 22, 2014, 02:57:47 PM
What you reckon procricketer think its big enough for you  :D

I do like that Paul, thank you.
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: jwebber86 on March 22, 2014, 04:25:56 PM
that look stunning
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: toenails97 on March 22, 2014, 05:00:20 PM
Any pics of concaving Paul?
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: Aldred Cricket Bats on March 22, 2014, 06:44:14 PM
Will put some on on Monday having a weekend off now for a change. Apart from coaching :o
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: toenails97 on March 22, 2014, 06:46:11 PM
Everyone deserves a break Paul! Also really like the profile, has a long middle
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: Aldred Cricket Bats on March 23, 2014, 05:46:09 PM
Any pics of concaving Paul?

Concaving, we try and use as little as possible as I'm not a huge fan but it does help keep wood in the bat for the modern look but as you know I've said before I don't think it makes too much difference.

(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t472/Aldredcricket/6a4de507854375831da052f00a2317bb_zps558260d4.jpg)
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: toenails97 on March 23, 2014, 06:17:54 PM
Looks like a very nice shape mate, thanks for sharing the pictures!
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: kal_m on March 23, 2014, 09:30:04 PM
Nice video and lovely profile.
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: Number 11 on March 24, 2014, 02:17:05 AM
Best advice ever, knock in your own bat. I've always done so.
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: Kevtheplumber on March 24, 2014, 08:35:42 PM
I got one of these earlier, see how it goes

http://www.screwfix.com/p/forge-steel-rubber-mallet-white-16oz/21607?kpid=21607&cm_mmc=Google-_-Product%20Listing%20Ads-_-Sales%20Tracking-_-sales%20tracking%20url&gclid=CKeKodWCrL0CFWLHtAodjisAeA (http://www.screwfix.com/p/forge-steel-rubber-mallet-white-16oz/21607?kpid=21607&cm_mmc=Google-_-Product%20Listing%20Ads-_-Sales%20Tracking-_-sales%20tracking%20url&gclid=CKeKodWCrL0CFWLHtAodjisAeA)
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: Aldred Cricket Bats on March 24, 2014, 09:01:28 PM
I got one of these earlier, see how it goes

[url]http://www.screwfix.com/p/forge-steel-rubber-mallet-white-16oz/21607?kpid=21607&cm_mmc=Google-_-Product%20Listing%20Ads-_-Sales%20Tracking-_-sales%20tracking%20url&gclid=CKeKodWCrL0CFWLHtAodjisAeA[/url] ([url]http://www.screwfix.com/p/forge-steel-rubber-mallet-white-16oz/21607?kpid=21607&cm_mmc=Google-_-Product%20Listing%20Ads-_-Sales%20Tracking-_-sales%20tracking%20url&gclid=CKeKodWCrL0CFWLHtAodjisAeA[/url])


Looks a bit flat faced to me may leave marks from the rim of the face.
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: fasteddie on March 24, 2014, 09:06:41 PM
What you reckon procricketer think its big enough for you  :D

Good enough for anyone!
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: brokenbat on March 25, 2014, 05:27:11 PM
Hi Paul - what is your view on "over-knocking" a bat? Is there such a thing? Doesn't quite make sense to me, but some people claim there is such a thing as knocking in a bat so much that it ends up compromising performance.
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: Aldred Cricket Bats on March 25, 2014, 06:48:25 PM
Hi Paul - what is your view on "over-knocking" a bat? Is there such a thing? Doesn't quite make sense to me, but some people claim there is such a thing as knocking in a bat so much that it ends up compromising performance.
Well I have to say not heard of that but common sense tells me that you would have to spend a hell of a long time knocking it in and you would be beating the hell out of it and in essence re pressing the bat too much so giving the result of being over pressed. I suppose in some ways I take it for granted as experience has always told me when a bat is ready and that's down to feel. I may have to lay some idiot proof rules down maybe
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: Chad on March 25, 2014, 07:05:22 PM
Agree completely with this whole thing, I think I've only ever had 1 bat which I got professionally knocked in for me, and that was a Salix Pod Players. (Had Paul at IJC do it for me, and he did a hell of a job on it) I think I used the bat for a little bit, but it just didn't quite feel right. Brother took it off me, and could use it perfectly fine. The bats I've gotten on best with were ones I spent the longest knocking in and preparing. (Bar the L&W Reserve, hardly had to spend any time knocking that in!)
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: Aldred Cricket Bats on March 25, 2014, 07:19:26 PM
Agree completely with this whole thing, I think I've only ever had 1 bat which I got professionally knocked in for me, and that was a Salix Pod Players. (Had Paul at IJC do it for me, and he did a hell of a job on it) I think I used the bat for a little bit, but it just didn't quite feel right. Brother took it off me, and could use it perfectly fine. The bats I've gotten on best with were ones I spent the longest knocking in and preparing. (Bar the L&W Reserve, hardly had to spend any time knocking that in!)

That is sometimes the case I that's down to the piece of willow I reckon, it just happens with some bats but also that's the advantage pros have in having throw downs because if you have the ability to control your hitting power you can build it up and you feel the bat evolve and open up, you don't get that with a mallet.
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: tim2000s on March 26, 2014, 07:17:38 AM
That is sometimes the case I that's down to the piece of willow I reckon, it just happens with some bats but also that's the advantage pros have in having throw downs because if you have the ability to control your hitting power you can build it up and you feel the bat evolve and open up, you don't get that with a mallet.
Out of interest Paul, how many thousands of hours of Throwdowns would you have had as a bowler?
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: Aldred Cricket Bats on March 26, 2014, 07:53:12 AM
You would get about 10-20 mins each day I suppose
Title: Re: Knocking in. Get to know your bat
Post by: Aldred Cricket Bats on March 26, 2014, 03:43:52 PM
New clefts just arrived this afternoon. Oh my goodness have been cleaning up some butterfly's and great selection and light too and I know the grade ones we have selected are absolute stunners too.