The University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana James Black School of Bladesmithing and Historic Trades celebrates, preserves, and promotes the art of bladesmithing and historic trades, and the birth of the iconic Bowie Knife in Historic Washington. Students at the school will study the art and science of Bladesmithing, Forging, Handles and Guards, Damascus Steel, and more.
The James Black School of Bladesmithing and Historic Trades is unique in the University of Arkansas System, and reflects the same quality and commitment to excellence in student learning that is the centerpiece of the missions of both the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana and the University of Arkansas System. Become a part of a campus where history, art, and skill are celebrated and preserved.
The James Black School is located at Historic Washington State Park, 601 Lawrence Street, Washington, Arkansas.
For-Credit Certificate of Proficiency
Certificate of Proficiency-Bladesmithing Degree Plan
Application for the Certificate of Proficiency in Bladesmithing Program
Application for Non-Credit Bladesmithing Classes
Non-Credit Community Classes
| Course | Date | Time | Instructor | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forge to Sharp Course | January 18-19 | 8AM to 5PM | Tim Foster | $350 |
| Advanced Transition Damascus Course | February 3-7 | 8AM to 5PM | JR Cook | TBA |
| Hunting Knife Course | March 17-21 | 8AM to 5PM | Ricardo Vilar | $525 |
| Bowie Knife Course | May 5-9 | 8AM to 5PM | Ricardo Vilar | $525 |
| Forge to Sharp Course | June 21-22 | 8AM to 5PM | Tim Foster | $350 |
| Friction Folder Knife Course | July 12-13 | 8AM to 5PM | Tim Foster | $350 |
| X-Rhea Knife Course | September 8-10 | 8AM to 5PM | Lin Rhea | TBA |
| Hunting Knife Course | October 10-132 | 8AM to 5PM | TBA | $525 |
| Veterans Course | November 3-7 | 8AM to 5PM | JR Cook | Free |