Drop Your Bat Off at Our Norwich Workshop
Knocking In Service
Don’t risk damaging a new bat by rushing the preparation. Bring it to our Rackheath showroom and we’ll knock it in properly — six or more hours of careful, professional mallet work so your blade is match-ready from ball one.
How It Works
Bring your new bat to our showroom at 18C Wendover Road, Rackheath, Norwich NR13 6LH. We’ll inspect it with you, discuss what’s needed, and give you a clear quote before any work begins. Then leave it with us.
Over the next 7–10 working days, our team will oil the blade, then progressively knock in every square centimetre of the face, edges, and toe using a specialised bat mallet. We work gradually across multiple sessions — never rushing — to compress the willow fibres evenly and thoroughly. When it’s done, we’ll ball-test it and call you to collect.
- Drop off during showroom hours: Tue–Fri 9–5, Sat 10–3
- Free inspection and quote before we start
- Oiling, progressive mallet work, edge and toe preparation
- Ball-tested before handback — match-ready guaranteed
- Your bat is fully insured while in our care
Knocking In FAQ
Everything you need to know about dropping your bat off for professional preparation.
You absolutely can, and we’re happy to talk you through the technique. But a proper knock-in takes 6+ hours of patient, repetitive mallet work with the right technique. Hitting too hard too soon, concentrating on one spot, or neglecting the edges are common mistakes that cause irreversible cracking. If you’d rather not take that risk with a £200+ bat, bring it to us.
Knocking in is free on all bats purchased online from us. For in-store purchases or if you’re bringing in your own bat, the service is £30. This includes inspection, oiling, a full progressive knock-in of face, edges, and toe, and a ball test. If we spot any issues during the inspection (manufacturing defects, unusual grain patterns), we’ll discuss them with you before proceeding.
Standard turnaround is 7–10 working days. We work the bat gradually over multiple sessions because rushing the process defeats the purpose. During quieter periods (off-season) we may be able to turn it around faster — just ask when you drop it off.
No booking required — just walk in during showroom hours (Tue–Fri 9–5, Sat 10–3). If you want to make sure someone is free to talk through the process with you, call ahead on +44 1603 650050.
Yes. Our knocking-in service is available for any bat, from any brand, purchased anywhere. If you bought it from us, you can add knocking in at checkout or bring it back later.
We offer a full new bat preparation package that includes oiling, knocking in, anti-scuff sheet fitting, and a toe guard. This is the complete service for getting a new bat match-ready. Ask us about the package price when you drop off.
What Happens if You Don’t Knock In
Using a new English Willow bat without proper preparation is one of the most common causes of premature damage. The raw willow fibres are soft and prone to compression, cracking, and seaming on impact with a cricket ball.
We see bats every season that have been damaged within the first net session because the owner skipped or rushed the knock-in. A £500 bat with a cracked edge after three overs is not covered by any warranty. Proper preparation is not optional — it’s essential.
- Edge cracks from balls hitting unprepared willow
- Face dents that reduce the sweet spot
- Toe splits from damp outfield contact on raw wood
- Warranty claims rejected due to inadequate preparation
