The bowyer
From the Hungarian plains to Manchester’s archery scene.
Robert Pozderka was born and raised in Hungary, with family origins in the Puszta, the Great Hungarian Plain. His interest in traditional archery began in childhood and became a real passion after he settled in Manchester over twenty years ago.
That passion led Rob to study and build traditional Asiatic composite bows, the original designs behind the modern ‘recurve’. His hands-on research included examining many original specimens in the Manchester Archery Collection at Manchester Museum.
His aim is to recreate these bows accurately using modern laminate technology. He started with arguably the most elegant design of all, the Tatar, which became the Raider.
“Sometimes the process requires a leap rather than a step.”On the upgraded Solak
Anatomy of a Paragon
Ten parts, one bow.
Scroll to take half a bow apart, layer by layer.
- 01Back fibreglassClear or black. Clear glass shows the bamboo beneath, and any dye stain you choose.
- 02Bamboo coreThe working heart of each limb: light, springy and fast.
- 03Polymer compositeA stabilising layer for longitudinal and lateral stability, so the limbs track true.
- 04Belly fibreglassClear or black; can be hand-painted as grey cattle horn.
- 05Hardwood riserAsh, maple or cherry, shaped through the fades into the limbs.
- 06Grip & arrow passesCow leather, suede, stingray or built-in hard-wearing passes.
- 07Hardwood siyahThe rigid recurved tip that acts as a lever and gives the draw its smoothness.
- 08String bridgeSeats the string at brace, as on the historic originals.
- 09Tip overlayPhenolic in black or brown, or decorative kirinte.
- 10StringEvery bow ships with a string and a bow bag.
How a commission works
Eight to ten weeks, one bow.
Every order is made to measure. The minimum build time is 8–10 weeks and is currently longer because of demand.
- 01
Enquiry
Tell Robert the model, draw weight and draw length. Use the designer or just email.
- 02
Specification
Woods, glass, riser finish and decoration are agreed, and Robert confirms the current lead time.
- 03
Lamination
A bamboo core, fibreglass and hardwood are laminated with a stabilising polymer composite.
- 04
Shaping
Risers, siyahs and string bridges are shaped and the limbs are tillered to your weight.
- 05
Finishing
Phenolic or kirinte overlays, leather and decoration. Calligraphy is done by a professional calligrapher.
- 06
Dispatch
Weighed at 28″ and sent out in its bow bag with a string, wherever you are.
The work
Details that take the time.
