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 2021 Schedule of Courses for Credit and Noncredit
| BLAD1201 Credit & Noncredit |
Knifemaking | January 15th-17th Lab & Supply Fee Application for credit |
Monday-Friday 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
Cook | Washington, AR |
| BLAD 1201
Noncredit |
Knifemaking | January 23rd
$150 Fee |
Friday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Cook | Washington, AR |
| BLAD1222 Credit & Noncredit |
Bladesmithing | January 25th-29th (Part 1) February 15th-19th (Part 2) Additional Fee |
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Cook | Washington, AR |
| BLAD1411 01 Credit & Noncredit |
Damascus Steel | March 15th-19th Additional Fee Application for credit |
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Rhea | Washington, AR |
| BLAD1311 01 Credit & Noncredit |
Handles and Guards | April 12th-16th Additional Fee Application for credit |
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Vilar | Washington, AR |
| BLAD1511 01 Credit & Noncredit |
Advanced Bladesmithing | May 3rd-7th Additional Fee Application for credit |
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Fisk | Washington, AR |
