Backward bending

[DC]

I've read in a million(almost) places to never ever bend a bow backward. But, to put in Perry reflex or when you're letting sinew pull the bow into reflex you're bending the bow backward. Should the never bend a bow backward advice have an amount added?

[bradsmith2010]

ok there are alot of gray areas here,,
usually the bow that is going to bend backwards is not shot in(not always)
if I am going to bend an osage roughed out bow backwards,, I heat it and gently pull it into reflex,,
I am sure others have more insight as to when its ok to bend a bow backwards,,or can explain in depth,,

[PatM]

They mean after it is shot in. A bow that is  'broken in" has enough compression damage to manifest itself as diminished tensile strength if bent the opposite way.

[DC]

OK, that makes sense, thank you both