The blade is shaped by 'pulling off' the willow with the draw knife. The bat makers will leave maximum wood in the driving area whilst working the blade to establish the balance that is associated with the finest handmade bats. The coarse cuts of the draw knife are smoothed using wooden planes and the shoulders and handle are seamlessly blended with the spoke-shave. The toe is very carefully shaped to a distinctive angle for strength and protection. |
As with all the other stages of production, the hand shaping is absolutely unique to each bat. During the shaping, the bat will be removed from the vice and tested for balance and form by the bat maker, using his knowledge of the game as a point of reference for balance and pick-up. |
