Forging a Legacy: The Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing at Texarkana College

When it comes to learning the art of bladesmithing, few places carry more history, credibility, and tradition than the Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing at Texarkana College. For more than three decades, this historic program has trained generations of knife makers, bladesmiths, and blacksmithing enthusiasts.

The story begins with Bill Moran, the legendary bladesmith who revived the lost art of Damascus steel and co-founded the American Bladesmith Society (ABS) in the 1970s. Moran’s vision was to preserve bladesmithing as both an art form and a practical trade — ensuring that traditional knife forging skills would be passed down to new generations.

In 1988, Texarkana College partnered with the ABS to establish the world’s first school dedicated solely to bladesmithing. From its earliest days, the Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing has welcomed students from across the United States and around the world — all eager to master the craft of forging, grinding, and finishing custom knives alongside true masters of the trade.

To bring this vision to life, the school opened in Historic Washington, Arkansas — an authentic 19th-century village where students learned knife making surrounded by historic blacksmith shops and traditional forges. There, students experienced bladesmithing as early American craftsmen did, forging blades with coal forges and hand tools that have stood the test of time.

This unique setting connected students not just to the skills but to the living heritage of American knife making — keeping the craft alive in both spirit and practice for decades.

After many successful years at Historic Washington State Park, the program returned to its roots on the Texarkana College campus — its only relocation since opening. Today, students learn in the state-of-the-art BR Hughes Bladesmith Classroom, named in honor of BR Hughes, a cofounder of ABS and advocate for bladesmithing education. This modern facility blends traditional forging methods with advanced tools, safety features, and a learning environment built for both beginners and experienced smiths.

Here, students develop the practical forging, heat treating, grinding, and finishing skills that define professional knife making — all while continuing the legacy Bill Moran began.

The Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing’s reputation has even reached national television. The school was featured on the History Channel’s hit series Forged in Fire, Season 10, Episode 1: “On the Road: Texas Showdown.” This special episode was the first time the show filmed on location — challenging contestants to forge blades in the very same BR Hughes Bladesmith Classroom where students train today.

This national spotlight introduced millions of viewers to the program’s unique facilities, expert instruction, and high standards that make it a leader in American bladesmithing education.

👉 Watch the Forged in Fire episode here:
Season 10, Episode 1 – On the Road: Texas Showdown

One of the greatest strengths of the Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing is its dedicated instructors. Each Introduction to Bladesmithing class is taught by a Master Smith approved by the American Bladesmith Society, ensuring students receive top-level training directly from the best in the field.

Don McIntosh, an ABS Journeyman Smith and board member, assists these Master Smiths in hands-on classes and extends his expertise through trusted online instruction. Don understands the challenges new bladesmiths face — whether it’s limited equipment, no local workshop, or not knowing where to begin.

“There are a lot of resources for beginner bladesmiths online, but it’s difficult to tell where to start,” Don explains. “We designed this program to make real bladesmithing instruction clear, step-by-step, and accessible for everyone.”

Don’s approach shows students they don’t need an expensive setup to get started. With the right training, guidance, and community, anyone can begin learning bladesmithing — whether in the BR Hughes Classroom or through his Bladesmithing for Beginners online program.

Students at the Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing learn every step of the knife making process, including:

• Forging and shaping blades using traditional and modern methods
• Heat treating, quenching, and tempering for strength and durability
• Grinding, polishing, and finishing for a professional edge
• Fitting and securing knife handles and guards
• Preparing for ABS Journeyman Smith testing, including bend and cut tests

✅ The world’s first school dedicated to bladesmithing
✅ A legacy built alongside the American Bladesmith Society
✅ Featured on Forged in Fire for its national reputation
✅ Hands-on training in the BR Hughes Bladesmith Classroom
✅ Flexible learning options with trusted online courses
✅ Expert instruction from ABS-approved Master Smiths and experienced assistants
✅ A strong, supportive community of makers

From its founding vision with Bill Moran, to forging knives at Historic Washington, Arkansas, and now its national spotlight on Forged in Fire — the Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing remains a living testament to the craft and future of knife making in America.

Whether your goal is to forge your first hunting knife, master Damascus steel, or earn your ABS Journeyman Smith certification, Texarkana College provides the skills, community, and support to help you succeed.

👉 Start forging your future today.
Train hands-on at Texarkana College’s Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing or begin at home with Bladesmithing for Beginners program.