Step 1

Trees cut down

Cricket bat willow is a cultivated timber which grows in large plantations in wetland areas throughout Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk. Each tree is individually planted by hand and, during its natural life-span, the willow will be tended to by the grower to ensure that the tree will be suitable for bat making. For each willow that is felled, two new trees are planted. In this way the industry, countryside and the actual species are protected. Cricket bat making is a craft based on conservation.

Step 2

Willow clefts ready for grading and machining

All Matrrixx timber is sourced from willow specialists. The trees felled are typically between 15-30 yrs old. Once felled they are cut into rounds and the clefts splitted out. This is the quick part as the majority of the time in manufacture is spent to the actual bat making process. Each cleft used for Matrrixx bats is hand selected by the owner of Matrrixx, Ajit Menon, himself. At this point the cleft has already been split from the round (section of the trunk), rough sawn, the ends waxed and then air or kiln dried to reduce the moisture content. The waxing is essential as it prevents quick moisture loss from the end grain which could cause cracks or drying 'cones'. Any clefts suffering from these cones are filtered out of production, or, if finished, sold only as substandards directly from the workshop.

Step 3

Machining a cleft to width

Once in the workshop, the cleft undergoes various processes by machine to be cut into the basic blade shape. Even at this stage the craftsman's expertise is essential as the blade must be continually evaluated in order to maximise the natural potential of the willow; for example establishing the best end for the handle and leaving the most suitable wood for the driving area. There are no shortcuts as every willow cleft is unique and must be assessed throughout the production processes if quality, strength and honesty of grading are to be guaranteed. These skills, and its importance to the integrity of bat production, is why Matrrixx have invested so heavily in our workshops. Self-sufficiency as a brand is of paramount to Matrrixx. Many companies sub-contract machining and pressing, or even buy in nearly-made bats (Matrrixx do provide a restricted machining service to a number of these brands).

Step 4

Blades ready for pressing

Once the blade has been correctly graded and machined, the next stage is the pressing. The willow fibres have to be compressed in order to strengthen the timber sufficiently to withstand the impact of a cricket ball. Pressing is a delicate balance between hardening the willow for strength but  leaving the blade soft enough to play well as over-pressing can deaden the blade. Matrrixx presses each blade individually. Generally, Matrrixx press the blade up to 4 times at up to 2,000lb per square inch. Again, inherent understanding of the wood is essential to determine the right amount of pressure. The press itself, which was custom built by Matrrixx,  is adapted for different models and constantly developed to maximise performance and durability.

Step 5

Handle being spliced into a blade

The handle, a laminated construction of cane and rubber strips (treble sprung), is fitted through the precise splicing of the handle into the blade. The craftsman will set the handle slightly forward of the blade ensuring a perfect pick up once the bat is made. The handle is secured using a water resistant wood glue and left overnight to dry.

Step 6

The blade is shaped by 'pulling off' the willow with the draw knife

The bat makers will leave the maximum amount of wood possible in the driving area whilst working on 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.

Step 7

Drum Sanding

Once shaped, the bat will be both course and fine sanded. Like the shaping, the sanding is dependant upon the eye and skill of the craftsman.

Step 8

Binding a handle

The handle is bound using the finest quality twine. The bat is mounted in a lathe which is controlled using a foot treadle. The handle is brushed with glue and whipped with the twine which provides strength at the top of the splice and throughout the length of the handle. The blade is then finely burnished using a compound wax which polishes and flattens the wood leaving a satin finish.

Once bound, high quality grips are fitted to the handle and labels are applied to the face, back and sides of the bat. All Matrrixx's bats then undergo a final quality inspection before being packaged and distributed.

Each bat Matrrixx make is done in the hope that the time and effort they expend will be rewarded by the owner's care and attention ..... and great success at the wicket !!

See 'Bat Care' section for oiling, knocking in and storage advice.