The James Black School of Bladesmithing and Historic Trades at the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana has opened registration for a full slate of spring through fall 2026 classes designed for aspiring bladesmiths, hobbyists, and historic trades enthusiasts. Located at Historic Washington State Park, the school offers hands-on instruction rooted in the art and heritage of American bladesmithing, honoring the legacy of James Black and the birthplace of the iconic Bowie Knife.

The upcoming non-credit community classes provide students of all skill levels with practical experience in forging, knife making, and other traditional metalworking crafts. Classes running throughout the year include:

Course	Date	Time	Instructor	Cost
Introduction to Blacksmithing Course	March 14-15	8AM to 5PM	Luke Sorensen	$350
Hunting Knife Course	April 20-23	8AM to 5PM	Adam Millet	$525
Bowie Knife Course	May 4-8	8AM to 5PM	Ricardo Vilar	$525
Axe Making Course	May 23-24	8AM to 5PM	Lin Rhea	$350
Blacksmithing Course	June 20-21	8AM to 5PM	Luke Sorensen	$350
Knife Kit Class	July 11-12	8AM to 5PM	Adam Mille	$350
Advanced Transitional Damascus Course	September 14-18	8AM to 5PM	JR Cook	$525
X-Rhea Knife Course	October 22-24	8AM to 5PM	Lin Rhea	$450
Open Lab Course	October 26-30	8AM-5PM	JR Cook & Adam Mille	$850
Veteran Course	November 2-6	8AM to 5PM	JR Cook	Scholarship

These classes emphasize hands-on learning with expert bladesmiths, and many are suitable for beginners as well as more experienced makers. Whether learning basic forging techniques or advanced blade finishing, participants gain real-world skills in a historic setting.

“We’re proud to offer a range of courses that celebrate both the craft and the history of bladesmithing,” said Jennifer Teresa, dean of technical and industrial programs at UAHT. “From foundational blacksmithing skills to advanced Damascus techniques, there’s something here for everyone.”

To enroll or learn more about specific classes, call 870-722-8109 or bladesmith@uaht.edu. Details and registration links are available at https://www.uaht.edu/academics/james-black-school.php.

Application for Non-Credit Bladesmithing Classes

 

About the James Black School of Bladesmithing and Historic Trades
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. The school is unique within the University of Arkansas System and reflects the same quality and commitment to excellence in student learning that are the cornerstones 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.