UATH offers bladesmithing classes
WASHINGTON – A series of bladesmithing courses is being offered in Washington in conjunction with the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana
An introductory course in bladesmithing will be offered Oct. 12-16 and Oct. 19-23 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. taught by Lin Rhea and JR Cook
The course will focus on using hand forging concepts and techniques. Students will make a blade through the proper forging of metal. Metal selection, blade design, hand forging to shape, normalizing and grinding will be covered. Students should complete the course with a rough ground knife.
They will also be taught to heat treat, temper, put on a proper edge, test and prepare for a guard, along with proper hand finishing. Students will need to bring two of their rough ground blades to class. The cost is $900.
A course in Damascus Steel will be held Oct. 26-30.
The instructor, Lin Rhea, will teach students who’ve completed BLAD1222 or a smith with documented experience in the process of knife making to learn pattern welding using common carbon Damascus alloys. The class will focus o material prep, forge welding, power hammer techniques and proper forge practices. The cost is $450. Classes run from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
From Nov. 16-20, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Ricardo Vilar will hold a class on handles and guards. To participate students must have completed BLAD1222 or have the instructor’s permission. They must also bring one completed blade, either full or hidden tang, to class.
The cost is $450. Students will be taught to successfully and safely design and complete a handle and guard assembly for a blade.
The year will end with an advanced bladesmithing skill builders lab, taught by Jerry Fisk.
This course will allow students to hone their bladesmithing skills. They will work with a Master Bladesmith to refine their techniques while focusing on areas of most interest to them or where they need improvement. The instructor will work with the students to solve their individual problems and identify areas of weakness while also teaching alternative and advanced skills.
Students are encouraged to bring items or issues they’re having trouble with. The pre-requisite for this class is BLAD1222 or instructor approval. The cost is $450.
To enroll in any of these classes, call 870-722-8109 or go to bladesmith@uaht.edu.