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 Application for credit	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