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 | Instrutor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowie Knife Course | April 8-12 | 8 AM to 5PM | JR Cook |
| Festival Sponsor Course | May 1-4 | 8AM to 5PM | Ricardo Vilar |
| Kitchen Knife Course | June 8-9 | 8AM to 5PM | Ricardo Vilar |
| Knife Kit Course | June 29-30 | 8AM to 5PM | Jerry Fisk |
| Tomahawk Sponsor Course | July 13-14 | 8AM to 5PM | Tim Foster |
| Axe Making Course | July 27-28 | 8AM to 5PM | Lin Rhea |
| Forge to Sharp Course | August 24-25 | 8AM to 5PM | Tim Foster |
| Veteran Course | November 4-8 | 8AM to 5PM | JR Cook |
| Dagger Course | November 11-15 | 8AM to 5PM | JR Cook |
| Dagger Handle Course | November 18-20 | 8AM to 5PM | JR Cook |
| Advanced Open Project Course | December 9-13 | 8AM to 5PM | Jerry Fisk |