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[SkipperJ]

I'd knock first, then face, then oil.

Wouldn't oiling first help make the surface a bit more supple and help knocking (prevent cracks maybe?)

[legger123]

I've got a bat to knock in for a friend, thinking of knocking it in, oiling it then putting a face guard on?
Would this be alright

[Colesy]

Bat gel!!! What's that then...Sounds a little kinky!

Stops wood getting too hard (sorry)

[harry kovert]

Stops wood getting too hard (sorry)

Very good young man. The antidote to viagra perhaps!

[Joe]

Oil, Knock In, Face.

[Colesy]

Bat viagra might make it's playability a bit stiff like Lavers

[Johnny]

Oil, Knock In, Face.

This is how I would do it.

Been trying to do a bit of research on this recently, as would quite like to do a video piece on this subject. Thing is, I don't think there is a definitive way. Different people have their own rituals, and I'm sure the natural characteristics of the wood also will play a part in which techniques appear to work.

[Vulcan Cricket]

Lol lol lol love it very very good could ho do a harding wax just for you lol

[legger123]

Also would I be right in saying that you only knock the edges in? I've been told not the middle in otherwise it loses it springs. Came from but of dodgy salesman but I don't know if was right.

[Talisman]

For those who have their own way of preparing is this because you know what each action does and the requirement or perceived requirements of the bat or is it based on advice/hearsay?

[Ryan]

I'd knock first, then face, then oil.

agreed, no point knocking a bat in over the scuff sheet. Once knocked in the bat can have a scuff sheets applied and then oil to the back (keeping away from the splice area, normally covered by stickers). the scuff sheet will keep moisture in the face of the bat so no need to oil this area.

just my opinion.

[Joe]

For those who have their own way of preparing is this because you know what each action does and the requirement or perceived requirements of the bat or is it based on advice/hearsay?

I oil and face because oiling brings out the grain.

[Johnny]

For those who have their own way of preparing is this because you know what each action does and the requirement or perceived requirements of the bat or is it based on advice/hearsay?

My current method is a mixture of the advice I've read from manufacturers, combined with the technique passed down to me by my dad, then with my own modern twist on the end of it.

Here's James Laver's take:
http://www.abcofcricket.com/Article_Library/art47/art48/art48.htm

This is from Slazenger (old school Slazenger when they were good):
http://www.cricketsupplies.com/cricket-bat-care-guide.asp

..and this is advice from Warrior:
http://www.warriorcricketbats.com/knockingin.aspx

[Canners]

i tend to knock it in for a bit, apply a face and give it a good working over with the bola, and then its good to go......

[RoCo Da Pixie]

I don't knock in bats, I dislike it with a passion, I get the Maker to knock it in and face, So whatever they do is fine with me.