How to knock a cricket bat? Complete Guide to my process.

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How to knock a cricket bat - Complete Guide to my process
Here is my Complete Guide to how I knock and finish a Cricket Bat. I filmed every second I spend with the bat and with the use of time-lapse the process is just over 30 minutes long.
If you have never knocked a bat then this guide will save you hours of confusion and shows you how I now prep bats. I'll respond to questions and comments but would love to hear your thoughts as everyone has a different process.
In this process I am intending to use a scuff sheet so one oil is enough. over oiling adds weight and kills performance. If you go natural, oil when ever it is dry and fails step 5 and do it lightly.
Index of chapters
00:00 - Introduction
00:15 - 1. What bat am I knocking in this video?
00:50 - 2. Why do we knock in a cricket bat?
02:20 - 3. How to oil a cricket bat?
04:35 - 4. How long after oiling do I wait before I can start knocking?
05:02 - 5. How do I know it's oiled enough?
05:23 - 6. Where do i buy Shoo Goo?
05:39 - 7. What type of scuff sheet?
07:06 - 8. How do I bone the edges?
09:51 - 9. How do I bone the face of the bat?
10:21 -10. What types of mallets do I own?
10:35 - 11. Protect your hearing!
11:14 - 12. How do I start knocking the bat?
13:32 - 13. What techniques do I use when knocking?
15:50 - 14. How do I apply Shoe Goo?
19:00 - 15. Session 2 of knocking and explanation.
23:49 - 16. Playing in the cricket bat.
25:46 - 17. Polishing the bat
27:28 - 18. Applying the scuff sheet
29:28 - 19. Applying the edge tape
30:42 - 20. The finished bat!
Yep, a few errors I missed.
1. I said 36 hours, not 72 hours (3 days ) I leave the bat after oiling
2. there's an editing error early on
3. I added words to title 1 and it shifted it to the left. oops.
It was a long edit with hours of footage to edit down to what you see. Sometimes I'm looking at the timeline and properties in Resolve, not the video. You have to make mistakes to learn. As much as I love the polish of the big KZbin Channels, they have money and staff and it's a business for them. Only me doing this and I am 95% happy with the result and know my next edit will be 5% better.
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I do this as a hobby and I do not make any money doing this. I do not get paid to create the videos. So people cover the return freight costs of bats sent in and I do not always accept a bat for a variety of reasons and do not run a bat knocking service as the time it takes to create content is considerable.
All videos are owned by CricketBatInfo. All views are that of the owner and are based on a one-off experience from an individual bat and not a whole range or brand.
Consider following me on Facebook at: / marcscricketbatinfo
or Instagram / cricketbatinfo Enjoy Marc
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#CricketBatInfo

[@CricketBatInfo]

There are chapters in this video and a index in the description if you need to go back over a section or skip ahead.

[@olimpiasorando7428]

here's several tips for curing ovarian cysts dont eat processed foods eg flour, white rice, sugar. Reduce stress - try yoga or meditation. Consume fresh vegetables and whole grains. (I read these and the reasons they work on Litzy remedy tactics website )

[@neelnadu]

Based on my personal experience a bat gets better overtime if you use it without scuff sheet because it allows the grains to open up. If you use scuff sheet right away it keeps the fibers on the surface intact and the scuff sheet holds the fibers tight not allowing it to spread. I personally feel that it’s a good idea to prepare it, use it against the old balls for sometimes, once you notice the grains start to open up then apply the scuff sheet. If you think about it, makes sense. Once again this is my personal experience. It’s always a joy to watch your videos. Keep it up.

[@indiangamingdriver718]

100% Correct 👍

[@nickharries6584]

Finally! An informed video that provides clear instruction from start to finish. Thanks for this. Love your work!

[@CricketBatInfo]

You're very welcome!

[@nicholasjoseph699]

Very comprehensive, Marc! Great in-depth tutorial!

[@CricketBatInfo]

Thank you kindly!

[@pottyf]

Wow, what a comprehensive video. The best I have seen on the subject. A benchmark for knocking in instruction. 👍

[@arun111950]

This is the best on knocking.. Great Help.. Thanks a lot..👍👍

[@ateslaengineer4120]

Finally a full detailed video , thanks 👍

[@richardputnam2303]

Excellent video, Marc. Love ya work! That roller and those mallets are just awesome!

[@CricketBatInfo]

And they get used exactly how I demonstrated. Knocked 3 bats this week, first bats knocked in ages, and they all turned out wicked

[@gursimransingh1402]

Well done Marc. Absolute legend. Well done

[@harkiratskaler5855]

Perfect Video to learn the full process of preparing up a bat. Great work 👍🏻

[@Nisikto]

Very Informative!

[@khan5162608]

Thanks mate for such a detailed video 👌

[@FABM27]

i am looking forward to this video! Hopefully I will learn something new.

[@CricketBatInfo]

Hope you like it!

[@tonyparker4211]

Really enjoyed the updated “knocking in” video. I have half a dozen new bats that I started preparing earlier in the year. Life got in the way and I’m a little paranoid that they are not completely done. Do I need to lightly re-oil the face, wait a few days then carry on with the knocking, or can I continue where I left off.

[@CricketBatInfo]

Tbh I have never done that, so ai don’t have a clue what you should do. If they were only just started I would start again with a half that amount of oil for the face and edges only. If you were well into it see how you go if you just keep going.

[@grngamingyt4169]

Respect to you sir you do the work and also reply to doubts

[@CricketBatInfo]

No problem

[@maranellodreamer]

Nice detailed video !! what do you recommend for a 2-tone / heartwood bats

[@CricketBatInfo]

Same process.

[@RDSSL79]

Wow...this is superb...love it..❤️

[@CricketBatInfo]

Thank you so much 😀

[@stevecheshire5046]

Great video. Another good way to get a neat finish with the shoe goo is tape around the toe edge. When done pull the tape off and the finish looks factory.

[@CricketBatInfo]

Great tip!

[@MichaelChunnz]

Loved this video...shows how yoy need to prepared your bat correctly from the outset to maximise its potential. It can be a laborious process but one that's definately worth doing. I'm not sure I'd trust a shop machine knock but that's just me.

[@CricketBatInfo]

Thanks Michael.

[@haseebbikya]

Thanks for the video. From where did you get the quality scuff sheet roll? Thanks

[@CricketBatInfo]

Watch the knocking video, i say it there. Has chapters so you can skip through

[@hnamebn8992]

playing cricket for 17 years but never have that much details thank sir

[@CricketBatInfo]

No worries. Hope it helps

[@harindudamsara7218]

Hi Marc, cheers for the great video however I’ve got a question about anti scuff sheets. Would you rather have the fibreglass sheet or Plain extratec one? I just ordered a grade 1 bat with knocking and it came with the fibreglass sheet. Does it have any impact on the performance of the bat? Thanks

[@CricketBatInfo]

Already replied. Wives tales. Chose a proper scuff sheet over fibre for a bat your going to maintain.

[@randyschwaggins]

Thanks for this great video...ive bought a mallet and some shoe goo for a players grade bat i bought direct from the factory via a pro cricketer friend. It looks amazing...20 straight grains and a beautiful pick up. So i want to knock it in the best i can before the season starts in around 6 months here in England. I will follow your instructions...i just had a few questions that I'd really appreciate some advice on; 1. I understand that doing the knocking in process will protect the bat from damage...but will it also improve the otherwise dead areas like the toe etc? 2. For how many days should i repeat the processes you show here before I use the bat in the nets? 3. The bat I have has scuff tape on both edges (its the lattice/gauze type)...but 95% of the face is uncovered. Should I remove these before I start the knocking process?

[@Dr.arian18]

Very informative 👍🏼

[@CricketBatInfo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ushersaqib7792]

Awesome

[@FABM27]

Thanks for giving Elviars Shed a shout because I got a mallet made from them and glad for it

[@CricketBatInfo]

Best mallets in the business….made for businesses …. Like bat makers. The best performing bats i have used are the ones i have knocked with his mallets.

[@FABM27]

@@CricketBatInfo and they last a lifetime!

[@alistairlewis2461]

And what a great bloke he is - worth a Google to see his business and philosophy

[@ntgobinath]

Great detailed one, lot of learnings from your videos. Your old video showed that you cut the scuff sheet not covering the edges then apply the fibre sheet to take care but this video scuff sheet folding to the edges. Is there a reason you prefer this approach? Also, do you notice any vertical lines / crack starts appearing along the grains during knocking in process as some says it’s for good as the grains are opening up. Any opinions?

[@CricketBatInfo]

Re scuff sheet, this stuff is far softer that what i used in that video from a few years ago. I tried the Laver and wood approach of trimming to the edges as it would not properly wrap over the edges. No need with this stuff (same as extratec, etc). I find some bats open up at the grain lines and others don’t. Tends to happen more on the significantly drier willow imo and starts in pressing. I have seen bat do it immediately after oiling during the first rolling! If you go too hard too early it could happen too, but so can compression cracks. Luck of the draw.

[@ntgobinath]

@@CricketBatInfo thanks Marc

[@vgharishkumar4931]

I have machine knocked my bat and had put a scuff sheet on it but the sides are to be knocked yet, should I remove the sheet before knocking? Thank you.

[@dilukasandarangaranasinghe7767]

Nice job 👌

[@CricketBatInfo]

Thankyou.

[@petergrace2623]

Thanks Marc. Excellent information there. Great to see the boning process thoroughly covered. I do wonder if oiling is as important as everyone thinks or do we do it because we’ve always done it. Hard to find scientific data on that one. It looks as though the pros don’t use oil on their bats as they all look very blond these days. Super to see how you get shoegoo so neat for the toe guard, will be trying that next time.

[@CricketBatInfo]

I don’t aim this channel at ‘pros’ because they don’t pay for their bats, take shortcuts and get loads more play in time with their bats. The amount of stupid wives tales people get from their local ‘ex pro’ is crazy. If you do not oil you will end up with surface cracks and the boning with cause friction. I guess you could just scuff it and knock, but it takes a lot longer the compact. I get really good results from this process and generally amateur players are using the bats in matches within a couple of weeks if they can get the net time.

[@petergrace2623]

@@CricketBatInfo I also think the pros have a number of bats to rotate through, specific training / net bats and also get maintenance done more regularly than amateurs, so minor surface cracks can be sealed before they become large cracks or the dreaded delamination. A lot of the bats I’m given to repair have unfortunately not had regular maintenance done so large cracks a delamination is what I see a lot of. I always say, get your bat to the bat repairer earlier but seems to often fall on deaf ears.

[@CricketBatInfo]

Yep, the other massive difference that my opinion does not account for is ball quality and pace. If you use a bat with no preparation against a soft training ball it is not the same as a new ball with a 120+ km/h speed at the point of contact. Then take that a step further and its a naturally harder ball like a Dukes it has to cause trauma to the bat if the preparation is skipped. I have always played cricket against Kookaburra balls and regulation balls soften after 20 overs or so. This video is for players who want to look after their bats, they can follow the steps and condition their bat and have no impression it is a fast process, but they will understand what they are trying to achieve at the end and hopefully see the repairer less ofter and expect miracles.

[@arunkp4551]

Hi Marc, I watched video multiple time, great video your have elaborated every minute details..If got fed-up by trying multiple cheep quality protective scuff sheets.. never find strength scuff sheet like the one you have shown. If possible can you share details where can I get those sheets or what are they actually called.? Please share a link if any vendor has it, even its an overseas also fine.

[@CricketBatInfo]

It’s made in the UK and not sold to the public directly it’s generally sold directly to manufacturers in 50 m rolls. There are different types. GM use it. That said its the same stuff GN sell in single sheets as Extratec. Did you read the description for this video?

[@alexrathers4592]

Is shoe goo lighter in weight than a toe guard? eg a standard plastic well known brand (kook, GN, GM) toe guard? Thanks in advance.

[@CricketBatInfo]

That’s not why i use shoe goo. It doesn’t fall off or crack, but can be removed when needed. It is semi transparent so you can keep an eye on cracks, and you can add more or shape it when needed. Its also easier to apply than a toe guard, which tend to need industrial glues to hold properly. I don’t imagine it weighs any more

[@nickharries6584]

Do you reckon leaving room between the shoe goo and the extratec could potentially create an opportunity for moisture from damp wickets to penetrate the wood?

[@CricketBatInfo]

It’s up to the owner to look after their bats after I prepare them. I never said it was waterproof.

[@CricketBatInfo]

If they are going to tap down in puddles they better realise it has consequences. Water ingress is a massive problem for all bats. Some bat makers use chemicals to delay the issue. If you wipe down the toe after use hopefully that helps,. If you play the rain oil the bat or use bat wax on the exposed timber.

[@gujjulabheemaraju3277]

Super

[@umaiksalam4589]

Great job, loved it, can we have a video about how to choose a perfect bat for ourselves

[@CricketBatInfo]

Great suggestion!

[@Developer_Zack]

Is shoe goo better or tough toe guard and also is plastic mallet good for knocking a cricket bat

[@CricketBatInfo]

Depends on the quality of the toe guard. Some fall off immediately. Once the shoe goo cures it stayed on and is like hard rubber when set. Never used a plastic mallet. I have seen some bat makers use a nylon mallet head.

[@Whisky-gq5sg]

G’day Marc wondering if you know of another supplier of good scuff sheets? I looked up stable tapes but it seems they’re liquidated. Cheers for the great content

[@CricketBatInfo]

Did they! Wow. Nope.

[@CricketBatInfo]

www.stabletapes.co.uk/?fbclid=IwAR3TzrKBc5M44Gzkvztu_W2lzcJMhGppi0ZSBZHOBKrrrd8CK6yhC6g6Zjo

[@MrAzzywazzy]

Hi! does the shoe goo act as a toe guard? or would you still need to apply a toe guard?

[@CricketBatInfo]

Yep. Just shoe goo alone

[@varunjoel3281]

Hey there! I wanted to ask, can I knock a used bat? My bat is 6 months old and I play matches with it. The sweet spot could be wider/longer I suppose. Will knocking it help do that?

[@CricketBatInfo]

Probably not. Sometimes it’s just the limit of that bat’s willow and construction.

[@onetuffmmedia2168]

Nice 👍

[@CricketBatInfo]

Thanks

[@nrrebrocricketclub5574]

Is warmpressed raw linseedoil okay to use ? I know It shouldnt be the boiled linseed.

[@CricketBatInfo]

Interesting question. I didn’t even know there were two methods of pressing oil. Just as long as it’s raw is the correct oil. Boiled is no good. I just use the ones from hardware stores. More on pressing here www.seedoilpress.com/news/cold-and-hot-pressing-linseed-oil.html

[@rakeshyadav28476]

Where do i buy the scuff sheet?

[@MrRichard2418]

I have a GM which is factory prepared (scuff sheet etc) should I knock it in or just play it in

[@CricketBatInfo]

GM are a different proposition due to the heavy pressing. Id just give the edges and toe area some more work and start a gentle play in.

[@MrRichard2418]

Thanks Marc

[@maxs9661]

Excellent video but I couldn't find the recommended time to knock? How much time for each area- edges, toe, face etc. I was reading somewhere and the guy said to spend 80% of time on edges and toe. Do u agree ?

[@CricketBatInfo]

Depends on the bat and the tools. Why do you need a time? How many bats do you need to knock?

[@maxs9661]

@@CricketBatInfo I mean to ask how much time I need to spend on edges, toe etc. Is 30 mins for each area enough? Bat I have is a Gray Nicholls Legend Bespoke with 9 grains

[@grngamingyt4169]

Is oiling necessary I have already knocked my bat without oiling

[@CricketBatInfo]

Oiling is generally done prior. If you knock without it you run the risk of creating cracks ( then can happen to an a oiled bat too though) and miss out on the protection linseed oil provides. Now if it had a facing/ scuff sheet then this is only necessary on exposed timber. A few drops on a tissue and wipe that around the back will help the bat. I have a knocking video where I explain my process on the channel. Please look at it and others in the Bat Maintenance Playlist

[@sanju324]

It seems like a very dry willow, you can already see some minor grains coming off. This may delaminate quite quickly.

[@CricketBatInfo]

I don’t think so, but i’m sure the owner can comment.

[@grngamingyt4169]

Can we oil the bat after knocking

[@CricketBatInfo]

I wouldn't tbh. You will just undo all the work compacting the surface. Once the preparation oil is done oil when it feels dry, very lightly on exposed timber avoiding the splice

[@RegressorTac]

Does the shoe goo set completely hard on the toe?

[@CricketBatInfo]

Sorry for the late response. It sets like hard rubber

[@seanknot]

my brother for some reason when i asked him to knock the toe of my bat, decided he would hit the sides of the bat. theres about 100 quite large dents now on both edges of my brand new bat. I did about 100,000 knocks on the face and the edges. But now i can feel a lip developed and theres quite nasty dents all the way down. You think just steam them out and put it through the process again> I started knocking it lightly and fine crack down the middle of a the blade has developed :/

[@CricketBatInfo]

Ummmm. Yeah you don’t knock the edges more than 45 degrees. That willow behind the pressed willow is soft and will crack easily. The video on knocking goes through my correct method. That lip is the pressed willow rolling over the edge. I would put a scuff sheet on it. As long as there are no cracks on the edge or behind them. All that your bro is doing is narrowing the blade knocking at 90 degrees. If there are and fine cracks around the edges or behind them get a tube of super glue and dab a little in the crack and gently sand with 240 grit sandpaper. It will remove a little saw dust which fill the crack. As far as dents and assuming it was oiled try and gently bone them out with a stump or a grip cone. See video. If your brother has hit too hard too early he can potentially create compression cracks. Hopefully not. They look crap. It will impact durability in the long run but surface cracks are normally ok. Fine vertical crack in the center along a grain is fine. If you oiled it should close a little once the oil crystallises. Let to oil dry for 7 days then put edge tape on and then a scuff sheet. If you’re not confident go to a bat repairer to apply it and take a closer look. Do all that and start your throw downs.

[@seanknot]

@@CricketBatInfo thanks a lot mate, great explanation. I started a little bit of that process, and there is only a crack along the grain face, so fingers crossed it's still ok.

[@kking2159]

Bro I have that same bat bre

[@stevenroger2554]

36hrs or 3 days?

[@CricketBatInfo]

Did I say 36 hours? Oops 72 hours. 3 days

[@purushswaminathan5693]

Staying on Rohit, does CEAT make their own bats or is it a SG with a sponsor sticker?(Like ye old Dravid Brittanias)

[@CricketBatInfo]

A. Neither MRF or Ceat have their own bats. Ceat used to be made by ZX, but they just tender out so who knows now. B. Who knows what Rohit actually uses except Rohit. It used to be you could tell a SS made player bat by their name written in sharpie on the toe, but with the whole player bat fad there are others who copy and for purchasing it is open slather on fakes. That Bat is a SG in their interpretation of a Rohit. That’s all I know. Same owner had a excellent NB Smith

[@sharabayyahiremath6999]

Hi sir 1.bat.sir

[@sharabayyahiremath6999]

No.2

[@CricketBatInfo]

Unsure what you are asking me.

[@rocky69446able]

How do you polish the cricket bat @cricketBatInfo

[@amitarora98]

Hi Marc, I have been trying to contact you via e mail regarding a bat review etc. How should I get in touch with your channel/you.

[@CricketBatInfo]

Facebook or Instagram. Links in description

[@amitarora98]

@@CricketBatInfo i am not on social media platforms. Hence tried to reach you via e mail. I am still very interested to get a review done from you.

[@CricketBatInfo]

Yep. Getting that fixed. Phone stollen and forgot to reenroll