October 30 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
In this class, students will learn the art of forging a knife where the blade, bolster, and tang are crafted from a single piece of steel—known as integral design.
With the addition of a custom handle, each knife becomes a unique and highly durable tool. By the end of the course, students should be able to complete and take home their own finished knife.
December 4 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
In this three‑day workshop, students will craft a forged, full‑tang chef knife featuring a classic European‑style blade profile. The course covers all essential stages of knifemaking, including forging, grinding, heat‑treating, tool use, safety, material selection, and the fundamentals of kitchen knife design.
Participants will work with high‑carbon steel and complete their knife with a hardwood handle. By the end of the workshop, students should expect to finish one 6–8 inch chef knife. Basic bladesmithing experience is helpful but not required.
November 16 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
This hands-on course covers detailed techniques for crafting and finishing knife handles, including both full-tang and hidden tang styles. Students will explore the art of guards, butt caps, decorative file work, spiral dagger handles, silver inlay, and blade finishing.
What to Bring: Please bring one full-tang blade ready for fitting. A hidden tang blade will be provided, and if time allows, students may begin working on an additional blade in the shop.
November 7 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Hybrid Introduction to Bladesmithing course at the Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing combines both online and in-person instruction. Built on the curriculum developed by Bill Moran—renowned as the father of modern Damascus steel and founder of the first bladesmithing school—this course offers a blend of lecture and hands-on experience.
Designed for individuals interested in crafting high-quality, hand-forged blades, the course covers essential topics such as metal selection, blade function, and design variations. Students will learn techniques including hammer forging, annealing, heat treating, grinding, and tempering.
**Please keep in mind that the online portion of this class must be completed before the first day of in-person instruction.**
Please follow the link to register! Texarkana College Community Education Registration Form
October 12 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Course Overview:
This two-week course combines engaging lectures with hands-on experience, perfect for anyone interested in crafting high-quality, hand-forged blades. Participants will explore metal selection, blade functionality, and various design styles. Key techniques such as hammer forging, annealing, heat treating, grinding, and tempering will be taught in detail.
Students will create semi-finished blades and evaluate them for cutting performance, edge retention, hardness, and flexibility. By the end of the course, most participants will have produced a blade capable of meeting the cutting and bending standards of the American Bladesmith Society’s Journeyman test.
Please fill out this form to register! Texarkana College Community Education Registration Form Once you fill out the form above, someone from our office will contact you regarding payment and registration completion.
April 13 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Course Overview:
This two-week course combines engaging lectures with hands-on experience, perfect for anyone interested in crafting high-quality, hand-forged blades. Participants will explore metal selection, blade functionality, and various design styles. Key techniques such as hammer forging, annealing, heat treating, grinding, and tempering will be taught in detail.
Students will create semi-finished blades and evaluate them for cutting performance, edge retention, hardness, and flexibility. By the end of the course, most participants will have produced a blade capable of meeting the cutting and bending standards of the American Bladesmith Society’s Journeyman test.
Please fill out this form to register! Texarkana College Community Education Registration Form
May 18 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Instructor: Mike Williams
This hands-on course covers detailed techniques for crafting and finishing knife handles, including both full-tang and hidden tang styles. Students will explore the art of guards, butt caps, decorative file work, spiral dagger handles, silver inlay, and blade finishing.
What to Bring: Please bring one full-tang blade ready for fitting. A hidden tang blade will be provided, and if time allows, students may begin working on an additional blade in the shop.
March 13 @ 7:00 am – March 15 @ 5:00 pm
Instructor: Don McIntosh
Damascus Blade Patterns
This in-depth course explores the fundamentals of Damascus steel pattern creation, including basic designs, variations, and advanced manipulation techniques. Students will gain the skills needed to consistently produce high-quality Damascus blades in a variety of patterns. By the end of the course, each participant should be able to craft a finished blade to take home.
Prerequisite: Completion of Introduction to Bladesmithing at Texarkana College or achievement of Journeyman Smith level.
February 6 @ 8:00 am – February 8 @ 5:00 pm
Instructor: Don McIntosh
In this class, students will learn the art of forging a knife where the blade, bolster, and tang are crafted from a single piece of steel—known as integral design. With the addition of a custom handle, each knife becomes a unique and highly durable tool. By the end of the course, students should be able to complete and take home their own finished knife.
