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

Non-Credit Community Classes

Community Education Bladesmithing Classes

Application for Non-Credit Bladesmithing Classes

Fall 2022 Schedule

Noncredit Course	Dates	Price	Instructor	Location	Day	Time
Knifemaking Kit	Meets August 27& 28	$325	JR Cook	WASHNG	Saturday-Sunday	8AM-5PM
Hunting Knife	Meets October 13-16	$525	Lin Rhea	WASHNG	Thursday-Sunday	8AM-5PM
Bowie Knife Kit	Meets November 10-13	$525	JR Cook	WASHNG	Thursday-Sunday	8AM-5PM
Damascus	Meets December 5-8	$525	Lin Rhea	WASHNG	Monday-Thursday	8AM-5PM

For more information about the UAHT James Black School of Bladesmithing and Historic Trades, call 870-722-8568 or email .

In the news:

James Black School of Bladesmithing Instructor Named Judge on “Forged in Fire” Latin America

James Black School of Bladesmithing Grand Opening Highlight Video

World-Renowned Bladesmiths to Teach at New U of A Hope-Texarkana School of Bladesmithing and Historic Trades

Arkansas #1 Set for Dedication to Commemorate the Bowie Knife as the Official Knife of Arkansas

James Black School of Bladesmithing “Cutting Competition” to be held in Historic Washington

World-Famous “Bowie No. 1” Makes Homecoming 200 Years After Leaving James Black’s Forge

The History & Art of the Bowie Knife Bladesmithing Community Education Course

James Black School of Bladesmithing and Historic Trades to Hold Grand Opening on January 17

James Black School of Bladesmithing Degree Approved

James Black School of Bladesmithing Receives Donation from Custom Knife Collectors Association

The University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana Fires Up New Bladesmith School in Historic Washington State Park

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