KNOCKING IN PROCESS

We recommend you use either a ball or wooden cricket bat mallet, as this enables you to have greater control during the knocking in process. The knocking in process could take approx. 6 hours depending on how soft the willow is. Start the knocking in process initially by hitting the mallet against the blade firmly, but not hard, with the pressure being increased after an hour. After 2 hours the mallet can be hit reasonably hard against the blade. Make sure all areas of the blade not covered by stickers are knocked in equally and similarly. During the knocking in process the bat should be oiled at least twice more. We suggest this should happen after 2 hours and 5 hours, making sure you sandpaper the blade first before applying the oil. Do not use the “hitting” end of the mallet to knock in the edges. Instead, use the handle of the mallet to roll, prepare and harden the edges. A stump or similar rounded edged item can also be used for this purpose. When rolling the edges start at an angle closest to the blade gradually working out to where the angle will become 90 degrees. Repeat this process during the knocking in period, increasing the pressure each time. Do not roll the edges after the extratec has been applied. When the knocking in process has been completed, the blade should be tested to see if it requires more oil. To do this, using a reasonable amount of pressure, run your thumbnail up the blade of the bat, from the toe to just below where the front sticker is. If there is a tiny speck of oil where your thumbnail is, there is enough oil. However, if there is no oil the blade will need to be oiled again. YOUR BAT SHOULD BE TESTED IN THIS MANNER APPROX. EVERY 3 TO 4 WEEKS.