Gray-Nicolls use only the best English willow for the production of their cricket bats. Salix Caerulea or Alba Var varieties are grown and harvested by the Company in a willow replenishment programme pioneered over 50 years ago. This policy is not only ecologically sound, but is unique within the industry. The fact that Gray-Nicolls grow 90% of the willow they use ensures the highest quality control standards. Just one of the factors which make Gray-Nicolls cricket bats the envy of the cricketing world.Once the willow has been harvested and brought back to the factory at Robertsbridge in East Sussex it is cut into roundels and then separated into splits (each of which will form a single cricket bat). The bark is then removed.The wood is then machined into a cleft (as illustrated). At this stage the operator decides which area of the cleft will become the face of the bat. It is obviously vital that the face should be free from blemishes and knots as these may impair performance.Willow is a soft fibrous reed which in its natural state is very moist. In order to produce a bat of good performance and weight it is necessary to dry the clefts. To do this they are placed in a custom built kiln in which the temperature is monitored and maintained at approximately room temperature. The willow remains within the kiln for approximately six weeks. Once the cleft has been dried, it is pressed at approximately 2000lbs per square inch. This produces the drive and durability that is essential for good performance.The handle is now fitted into the blade. Every handle is carefully dry fitted before the glue is applied to ensure a perfect fit and the unique Gray-Nicolls characteristic of a slightly forward positioning of the handle. This enhances performance and accentuates the bow in the bat.At this stage the bat now comes under the expert eye of master bat maker John Gasson and his team of craftsmen.
John first came to work for Gray-Nicolls at the age of 16 and has developed over the years into an expert in all fields of cricket bat manufacture. He and the rest of his team will use traditional tools such as the draw-knife (illustrated) to balance and shape the bats to perfection.Once the bat maker has finished his tasks, the bat will be sanded and then passed on. The handle will be bound and the grip applied. All bats are then given a final quality control inspection. Performance is tested using a Lignum Vitae hammer. It is in this way that the World-renowned quality and performance of Gray-Nicolls bats is ensured.
John first came to work for Gray-Nicolls at the age of 16 and has developed over the years into an expert in all fields of cricket bat manufacture. He and the rest of his team will use traditional tools such as the draw-knife (illustrated) to balance and shape the bats to perfection.Once the bat maker has finished his tasks, the bat will be sanded and then passed on. The handle will be bound and the grip applied. All bats are then given a final quality control inspection. Performance is tested using a Lignum Vitae hammer. It is in this way that the World-renowned quality and performance of Gray-Nicolls bats is ensured.
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