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 2023 Schedule

Class	Instructor	Dates	Days	Start	End
Hunting Knife	Vilar	Jan 20-23	Thursday-Monday	8:00AM	4:30PM
Fire Lighting/Shelter Building	Rhea	March 24-25	Friday and Saturday	8:00AM	4:30PM
Intro to Blacksmithing	Nations	April 15-16	Saturday and Sunday	8:00AM	4:30PM
Bowie Kit Class	Vilar	April 24-28	Monday-Friday	8:00AM	4:30PM
Bushcraft Knife and Striker	Rhea	June 16-17	Friday and Saturday	8:00AM	4:30PM
Advanced Damascus	TBA	November 13-17	Monday-Friday	8:00AM	4:30PM

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

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