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 2021 Schedule of Courses for Credit and Noncredit
| BLAD1201 Credit & Noncredit |
Knifemaking | August 27th-29th
Lab & Supply Fee |
Monday-Friday 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
Vilar | Washington, AR |
| BLAD1222 Credit & Noncredit |
Bladesmithing | August 30th-September 3rd (Part 1)
September 20th-24th (Part 2) Additional Fee |
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Rhea | Washington, AR |
| BLAD1411 01 Credit & Noncredit |
Damascus Steel | October 11th-15th
Additional Fee |
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Vilar | Washington, AR |
| BLAD1311 01 Credit & Noncredit |
Handles and Guards | November 8th-12th
Additional Fee |
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Vilar | Washington, AR |
| BLAD1511 01 Credit & Noncredit |
Advanced Bladesmithing | December 6th-10th Additional Fee Application for credit |
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Cook | Washington, AR |
For more information about the UAHT James Black School of Bladesmithing and Historic Trades, call 870-722-8568 or email bladesmith@uaht.edu.
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
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
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