Julian selects EVERY cleft from JS Wrights himself, sends them to India where he gets the clefts handled and pressed in a factory that he help set up using the old Stuart Surridge press. These handled clefts are shipped out to him and weigh around 3.10 pounds. He made me a bat this afternoon in less that 2 hours that is an absolute pinger and picks up a dream! There is no money in rough sawing the clefts and putting the handles in. If you could witness what I experienced this afternoon watching an absolute Master at work, you would understand why he is considered one of the best in the World by a long shot! He used nothing but a draw knife, hand planer and some sanding and polishing wheels. Incredible!
Ticked off my bucket list....!