Anti scuff sheets protect the face of the bat and keep it looking new, the sheet should always be applied before oiling as it will not stick after being oiled.
We round the edges of your bat to take away the sharp, vulnerable edge susceptible to damage (you can do this by using a wooden stump) but it is recommended that the average player should 'tape' the edge of the bat to avoid accidental splinters occurring if you catch a ball.
Rubber toes can be applied to protect against the damage of toe tapping. We can apply them for you or we sell a rubber toe kit as they are prone to falling off over time.
For non-toe tappers, raw linseed oil applied to the toe grain will protect and waterproof it.
A light treatment of Raw Linseed Oil, should be applied to all the wood (except the splice and transfers) of the new bat to protect from wet, not too much as this can deaden the timber.)
Apply 5ml (approx. one teaspoon) to cloth then rub over the exposed parts of the bat for best results. Repeat this with a light oiled cloth coating 3 to 4 weeks later and then twice each season should suffice.
The most important process is 'knocking in' The better this is done the less chance there is of damage to the bat and it should always be done by the player. Knocking a bat in is essential as it makes the timber tougher by thickening the cell walls. How hard should you knock in the bat? A mallet tends to allow you to hit too hard at the start and a better option is a cricket ball on a stick.
When the oil has dried, hold the bat firmly on you lap and begin hitting the face of the blade with the ball, evenly and gently at first. Continue this process, hitting harder and harder all over until you are hitting as hard as you can. To check your progress you can run your hand along the surface of the bat face to feel for any hollows it may have which may need more knocking or playing in. When playing in the bat at first try to play the ball to defence not hard drives and not full toss shots. You are trying to compress the timber not break it in half.
To obtain best performance from a piece of willow, Warsop bats are softly pressed to allow the wood to recoil and spring with the ball and stroke . After knocking in this can cause small cracks on the surface, which are natural and the bat should now be at its best.
Remember don't leave your bat leaning against a radiator or in high heat areas (e.g. back window of a car) as the timber will dry out and become brittle as well as the handle angle being lost. Store flat in a dry shed, garage or outhouse for best results.