Frequently asked questions!

Leatherstocking Hand-Split Billet Co. differentiates itself by hand-splitting each log to follow the wood's natural grain, ensuring straight tangential grain. This process is crucial for producing stronger baseball bats with reduced risk of grain-related failures. Traditional sawmills focus more on appearance grades and may not prioritize the structural integrity required for high-performance wood bats.

The vacuum-kiln drying process used by Leatherstocking prevents oxidation that normally occurs in traditional kiln drying. This absence of oxidation helps maintain a consistently bright white appearance in the wood billets, which is not only aesthetically pleasing but also indicates minimal degradation of the wood's natural strength and quality.

There is no national grading standard that applies to the wood bat industry which makes it difficult to compare pricing between mills. Leatherstocking is known for having the highest grading standards in the industry. Leatherstocking uses a proprietary grading system that ensures consistency and reliability across all its grades. We offer four grades of Hard Maple and Ash and two grades of Birch and Soft Maple. This system is designed to meet specific needs and quality standards for the production of wood bats.

Straight tangential (face) grain is critical because it significantly impacts the strength of the baseball bat. A straight grain alignment closely parallels the longitudinal axis of the wood cells, ensuring the highest strength. If the grain is cut at an angle, the bat's strength diminishes, making it vulnerable to breaks and potentially dangerous fractures.

The standard specifications for billets (blanks) at Leatherstocking include a length of 37 inches, with 36 inches available upon request. The billets are categorized into different weight classes: ultra-light (less than 82 oz.), light (82-90 oz.), mid-weight (90-99 oz.), and heavy (over 99 oz.). The company also offers discounts for full pallet orders and high-volume purchases.