Could be where they are turned on the lathe that the operator is using a blunt chisel when he's turning them out. Someone posted a lovely video of a bat factory on here somewhere and you can see the guy turning square handles into round ones (you've gotta be real careful doing that belive me!) Ryan, are you making your own handles on your lathe? I might have a go if i can source some cane.
Unusual for a GN, but yes I probably does. Is the bat definitely genuine?