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

Spring 2022 Schedule of Courses for Credit and Noncredit

BLAD1201 01	Knifemaking	Meets Jan 28-30	Additional Fees	Vilar, Ricardo	WASHNG	Friday-Sunday	0400PM	0800PM
BLAD1222 01	Bladesmithing	Meets Feb 17-20 (PART I) & Feb 24-27 (PART II)	Additional Fees	Vilar, Ricardo	WASHNG	Thursday-Sunday	0800AM	0430PM
BLAD1311 01	Handles and Guards	Meets April 7-10th	Additional Fees	Rhea, Lin	WASHNG	Thursday-Sunday	0800AM	0430PM
BLAD1411 01	Damascus Steel	Meets March 10-14th	Additional Fees	Cook, James	WASHNG	Thursday-Monday	0800AM	0500PM
BLAD1511 01	Advanced Bladesmithing	Meets April 28-May 2nd	Additional Fees	Fisk, Jerry	WASHNG	Thursday-Monday	0800AM	0500PM