Whether a CNC is used to get an initial shape or not to me isn't an issue, as this has to be done to get the volume of bats made. Otherwise you just simply couldn't make enough bats as a larger manufacturer, unless you outsourced production to India maybe and then you couldn't advertise 'Made in the UK'.
@buddyb yes I still consider yours handmade, as I do any brand who makes bats by CNC or similar and then refines the shape, balance, handle etc (to name a few I think, H4L, Kippax, Jedi etc etc)
Is it wrong not to advertise CNC use? Not in my opinion as from what I've seen it gets to a rough shape and just takes away a laborious part of the process. I've seen people use electric hands planes instead of draw knives for this same reason, so essentially this doesn't make them handmade? The skill is inbthe pressing obviously, but then also in the 'second stage' shaping. This gives the finished shape and balance. I spoke to a batmaker recently who said 'making a bat from raw cleft by hand is a pain I'm the a@se tbh and takes too long'.
In terms of price I agree that £650 is a lot for a bat, but as people have stated that's a choice and it's down to the individual. There's plenty of cheaper, top quality bats out there.
I've only had one keeley (BB) and it was a great bat. Do I think it's better than others? No. In fact I make mine from clefts which I chose over a few other (what people would call) more established suppliers due to them performing as well if not better imo. But people will pay for the name and reputation, as Keeley have been around for years and obviously know what they're doing. You've got to earn that reputation.
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Topic: Keeley cricket and the industry generally (Read 22763 times)