To celebrate an impending significant birthday (50 cough!), my wife kindly treated me to a new bat, courtesy of the guys at Salix. We went to visit the workshop on Saturday where I was treated to 90 minutes of what can only be described as ‘bat heaven’!
Arriving at the workshop, we were met by Vicky who immediately made us feel welcome by putting the kettle on and suggesting that we look at the shop whilst the previous client was finishing up. The shop itself is lovely; full of beautiful softs, accessories and ‘show bats’ from the entire Salix, Hits Hard and AJK range. I’d mentally spent several hundred pounds before even looking seriously at the available willow!
I’d pretty much decided prior to the visit that I was after the Supernatural model, although the Torque with its flatter face and larger edges was also tempting, but my more natural ‘nurdling’ game was probably more suited to the rounder features and subtle shape of the former. I was then introduced to Chris (SOULMAN1012), who was nothing other than enthusiastic and keen to talk all things cricket. He then took me through to the workshop itself where we set about looking for a suitable cleft from which to make the new bat. The choice of wood available was quite amazing; I’d never seen that much quality looking and sounding willow before. Chris introduced me to Andrew himself who talked through what I was looking for and confirmed that it was a reasonable request (the Supernatural, as I mentioned, but with a slightly lower sweet-spot and no concaving at all). Weight-wise, I was happy with something that picked up nicely, with the current bat being a guide only, and not a weight to be set in stone.
Once the final cleft choice had been made, with some words of wisdom from Andrew, he went to work on the willow. Watching this happen in front of me was a real eye-opener. The skill level involved is immense, but it was made to look ludicrously easy. The willow was passed backwards and forwards several times during the shaping process to allow me to gauge the feel and shape and pickup of the piece until I was happy that we were at a point of comfort.
All that remained was to select how the bat was to be finished; sticker choice, grip, scuff sheet etc. This was not as easy as it seemed either as there was a vast selection, all of which are easy on the eye and of an excellent quality, but I chose what I wanted and the bat was booked in for completion. I have attached a couple of pictures (taken with my phone so excuse the quality). Bear in mind this is the un-sanded and unfinished cleft, it’s just been shaped so will look a lot cleaner when finished.
Weight in current state is 2lb 11oz, and I'm told to expect it to stay around that weight once sanded and then stickered / gripped. I will post some more of the finished article when it's received.
Andrew then had the time and grace to ask if I wanted to look around the rest of the workshop; he spent another 20 minutes or so showing me all the various pieces of equipment used; he talked through the processes that the wood goes through, the different pressing options, how each piece is treated individually and much more, including his insights and opinions on bat manufacturing and the shrinking art of the bat maker, all of which to me, was of huge interest.
A great morning spent with interesting and genuinely nice people, all of whom have an obvious love and enthusiasm for both the quality of their own products, and the game in general. A big Thanks to Andrew, Chris, Vicky and nice to be introduced to Part-Time Pete (yogi206); a pleasure to meet you all. Simply can’t wait for my finished bat to arrive….at least I now have some time to find some form!
Author
Topic: My visit to Salix (Read 11405 times)