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[tim2000s]

Interesting points, i think older bats probably feel good as they are soft but this doesnt mean they are the best performing.

Newer bats will feel harder but will likely have more punch to them.

I'd say after the first couple hundred runs or so is when a bats in its prime from my experience.

So how does knocking in work? It hardens the face of the bat by compressing the willow to a depth of a couple of millimetres. Using the bat then adds to this compression. While the bat is in this state it is not soft.

Use it some more and you will start to destroy the cell structure and crack the "crust". This is your soft point. I can assure you the use of a bat in this state does not feel good. En equally, the new bat is not as hard as the knocked on bat as this annealing process has not yet taken place.

Ergo, a bat used by a tail ender over a number of years is likely to be nicely knocked in as it won't have scored huge runs and as long as it was treated properly will be perfect for use, and cheap!

[Number4]

Number4 mate a question for you, I also rub edges to bath tub but do you do that for bats which come with scuff sheet on them as well or only for bats without scuff sheet? [thats what I do, only without scuff sheet).

CD I don't use scuff sheets. Tried them but don't like them.

[Number4]

Ergo, a bat used by a tail ender over a number of years is likely to be nicely knocked in as it won't have scored huge runs and as long as it was treated properly will be perfect for use, and cheap!

Do you have some bats for sale Tim?...haha

[Cover_Drive]

CD I don't use scuff sheets. Tried them but don't like them.

Ah okay what if a bat has one applied on its face, any suggestion how to get edges rounded off? Mallet or bath tub?

[Village Trundler]

I also roll the edges on the bath tub

I always prefer to work on my wood in the shower, makes cleaning up easier.

I just got this image of you in my head sitting naked in the bath with your specs on rubbing your bat along the edge of the bath tub! Yikes!!

[kaustav]

Could you please have spared us the details 

[Number4]

I always prefer to work on my wood in the shower, makes cleaning up easier.

I just got this image of you in my head sitting naked in the bath with your specs on rubbing your bat along the edge of the bath tub! Yikes!!

Sick sick man Josh....haha

[Number4]

Ah okay what if a bat has one applied on its face, any suggestion how to get edges rounded off? Mallet or bath tub?

Maybe a rolling pin or something that rolls along the edges as opposed to being dragged across them

[Buzz]

I use the handle of the mallet - seems to work ok.
As a rule of thumb - if you think your bat is ready - give it another hour and away you go. I am not sure about waiting for the grains "to open up" I think that is a little overkill personally - but it was noticible at the batoff I attended the used bats performed better than the brand new bats.

[richthekeeper]

anyone fancy making a video to demonstrate this "bath rolling" technique? i have a lot of problems with edges, particularly the inside edge, so i'd like to learn from you more experienced chaps

[kaustav]

anyone fancy making a video to demonstrate this "bath rolling" technique? i have a lot of problems with edges, particularly the inside edge, so i'd like to learn from you more experienced chaps

Seconded.

[Ryan]

rob pack at Blue Room uses a horses shin bone to "bone" the edges...works very well. havent had and edge damage at all.

[Simmy]

i dont need to touch the edges cos i middle everything

[Buzz]

i dont need to touch the edges cos i miss everything

about right.

[Number4]

rob pack at Blue Room uses a horses shin bone to "bone" the edges...works very well. havent had and edge damage at all.

I think you will find most do this