Hungarian Bow Makers – A Tradition

 

Hungarians or Magyars (what Hungarians call themselves, in Hungarian) have a long history and relationship with archery. It is not known for certain when Magyars first began their relationship with archery. Yet, the practice of archery seems to stretch back into times perhaps lost to us forever. One thing does seem rather certain. When the Magyars first began to make an appearance in Western Europe, they possessed some of the most technologically advanced bows up until that time. As could be proven from Magyar warrior burials, Hungarian bow makers had been manufacturing Asiatic composite recurves for quite some time.

 

 

It is amazing to consider that Hungarian bow makers have been keeping up this tradition from at least the 9th century A.D. There has been a revival in traditional crafts in recent years. There are now many Hungarian bow makers in Hungary who are renowned for their skill and craftsmanship the world over.

This article explores and categorizes some of Hungary’s bowyers and their works. For more history on the Magyars and archery consider reading our page on the Magyar bow here.

 

 

Kassai Lajos

 

Most who are familiar with traditional Hungarian archery or horseback archery would know the name Lajos Kassai. Kassai developed and manufactured his own bows in the early 1980s and while the models have evolved over the years, they are still in production to this day (2022). As well as being one of the more recognized Hungarian bow makers, Kassai established his own system of competitive horseback archery. Along with a specific style of shooting, Kassai set down the rules and parameters for the track.

 

 

After establishing the parameters of competitive horseback archery (track length, distance to targets, etc.) Kassai proliferated his teachings far and wide. The Kassai system is now taught all over the world. As well as his innovation in bow making, Kassai is himself a master horseback archer. He has won many competitions as well as set several Guinness World Records including an endurance feat where he engaged in horseback archery for 24 hours straight.

Check out our article on Lajos Kassai here.

Also, here is a link to his website: https://www.lovasijaszat.hu/en/about-kassai-lajos

 

 

Grozer Csaba

 

Csaba Grozer is a skilled craftsman hailing from Feketeerdõ, a small village on the northeastern tip of Hungary. Mastering his skills over many years, Grozer makes exceptional bows of many varieties. From the Turkish to Scythian, Mongol, Korean, and of course the Hungarian, all of Grozer’s bows are sure to please.

 

 

Check out some examples of his work in the images below and see for yourself.

 

Csaba Grozer also puts his creative abilities to work manufacturing other practical devices, like his line of bicycles for instance.

 

 

His website is worth checking out! The link is here: http://www.grozerarchery.com

 

 

Farkas Nandor – Jackal Archery

 

Hailing from Békés, a town in eastern Hungary, Nandor Farkas is the master bowyer and founder of Jackal Archery. Initially building traditional horn and sinew bows, Jackal Archery now specializes in fast and efficient laminate bows. Jackal Archery produces bows in a variety of styles including:

• Hun
• Magyar
• Turkish
• Assyrian
• Sarmatian
• Takedown bows

 

 

We are pleased to feature some of Nandor’s works on Archery Historian’s own shop. Check out some examples below. Click images for links.

 

 

You may also want to view some video reviews conducted by Mr. Armin Hirmer of Malta archery.

 

 

 

 

Akos Bow

 

Akos Bow has been producing hand-crafted bows for over ten years and features a lovely portfolio of Hungarian bows. Made in the likeness of 9-10th century archeological finds, if you want a Magyar or Hungarian bow you should check out Akos. Their website is here: https://akosbow.com.

The Hungarian Bow Foundation establishes the parameters of Hungarian bows based on archeological findings. Akos bow’s short Hungarian has been awarded recognition by the foundation so you can be assured it is the real deal.

The bows are made from ash or maple wood with clear laminations and with black bandage. Check out the example below.

 

Or check out this thorough review by Armin Hirmer from Malta Archery:

 

Bajan Bow

 

From the scenic castle town of Eger, Bajan Bow produces exquisite bows from traditional materials.

 

 

Made from wood, horn, and sinew, these bows are as traditional as you can get. Also, Bajan produces a wide variety of bow types including:

• Avar
• Magyar
• Turkish
• Tatar
• Ming (traditional Chinese bows)

Check out some of Bajan Bow’s completed works below:

 

Check out their website here for more: https://bajanbow.com/

 

 

Istvan Szimeiszter

 

Being involved in the archery world since 1988, Istvan Szimeiszter is well acquainted with the ways of the bow. He began entering competitions in the 1990s and has had much success with his handmade traditional laminate bows. In fact, highly efficient, laminate bows of traditional design are his specialty.

With his over 15 years of experience in competition, with his own bows, Istvan now builds bows for other competitive archers who desire a custom build. Also, all of Istvan’s bows are tailor-made to the archer’s specs (bow length, brace height, draw-weight, etc.)

His current bow model line-up includes:

• Hungarian
• Turkish
• Crimean-Tatar
• Longbow
• Hunting Recurve

Check out some pictures of his works below!

 

 

 

Also, check out a video review by Armin Hirmer from Malta Archery:

 

 

 

Istvan Toth

 

Istvan Toth has been building bows for over 25 years now and still produces some excellent products. Hailing from Kercaszomor, a township near the Hungarian Slovenian border, Istvan’s skills reside in bow making as well as horsemanship.

Toth began his adventures in equestrian sports with dressage, which he participated in for many years. In his thirties, things change as he becomes aware of a certain Lajos Kassai who is making quite a name for himself in horseback archery.

Becoming quite enthused with the developing sport, Istvan begins building his own traditional bows primarily for the mounted archery community, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Please check out some of his works and/or reviews below:

 

Hungarian Bow Makers: Istvan Toth – Magyar Bow

 

Hungarian Bow Makers: Istvan Toth – Mongol Bow

Istvan Toth’s bows may be bought at https://www.sevenmeadowsarchery.com

 

István Szalóky

 

As you have been reading this article, you may have realized, the Hungarian bow makers featured here have many years of experience in their craft. Like with many things in life, mastery of a craft or trade takes time.

István Szalóky is no exception. He has been crafting exquisite bows for nearly 30 years now, making his first bow in 1996.

Szalóky specializes in modern recurves, mostly for the competitive archers and hunters. His bows are hand-made from various exotic woods, with Canadian Maple being a common favorite.

Check out some popular models below!

 

Speed Longbow

 

 

Classic Hunter

 

 

Please visit István Szalóky website for more: http://szalokybow.hu

 

 

 IMRE NAGY

 

Imre Nagy specializes in quality laminate bows of traditional design. Nagy also designs all the bows in his portfolio himself, taking inspiration from historical designs. As well as being high-quality laminate bows, they are a fantastic value!

Nagy’s bow portfolio is quite large compared to most Hungarian bow makers and features the following bow designs:

• Magyar
• Mongol
• Chinese
• Korean
• Avar
• Turkish
• Tatar
• Sarmatian
• Alanian
• Scythian
• Persian
• Assyrian
• & more!

That is quite the portfolio of bows! You may also want to check out his website for yourself here: https://en.tradinagyijak.hu/

Also, check out this video review of the Persian model!

 

 

 

Attila Keresztes

 

Attila has built more than 2000 of his traditional bows since starting making bows in 2004. His bows are well known for their high performance. As well as performing very well, his bows are high quality and aesthetically pleasing to say the least.

 

 

 

He has a wide range of evolving models so be sure to check out his wares through his website here: https://attilasarchery.com/

 

Hungarian Bow Makers: Flagella Dei

 

Flagella Dei comes from Latin. Flagella is the plural of Flagellum, a scourge or whip, and Dei means God. The Scourge of God This was the title given to and with pleasure, accepted by the infamous King of the Huns, Attila. An interesting and catchy name of a company making traditional bows in Hungary.

 

 

Flagella Dei was founded in the summer of 1999, and has been producing great quality and great value traditional bows for markets first in Europe and now globally. Károly Kaffka the main founder, started the business from humble beginnings to a company well known around the world in the archery community.  ArcheryHistorian.com is proud to feature their wares in our shop.

 

You may also be interested in some video reviews by Malta Archery:

 

 

Thank you, Hungarian bow makers, and bowyers around the world!