TEXARKANA, Texas -- Arizona Custom Knives has donated $10,000 to the Texarkana College Foundation to provide scholarships for knife enthusiasts enrolling in the introductory bladesmithing class.
Brian Steers, CEO of Arizona Knives, attended the Fall Hammer-In event in October to present the donation to Texarkana College.
"We have been of service to knife makers, buyers and collectors for over 25 years," Steers said via a news release. "We recognize expert quality and commitment. It is evident in my time spent with Don McIntosh, Coordinator of the Bill Moran school, that we share the same ideas and visions for making quality hand-forged blades."
Steers says he looks forward to seeing the art of knife making continue to grow with use of scholarship funds.
The donation will be used to award ten $1,000 scholarships to eligible students. The first class of 2022 begins in January and others will be offered throughout the year.
Anyone interested in making quality hand-forged blades are eligible to apply for the scholarship through the TC's Community and Business Education Division," McIntosh said. "We are very grateful for this new partnership between the Moran school and Arizona Custom Knives."
The Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing is sanctioned by the American Bladesmith Society and has offered world-class training in beginning and advanced bladesmithing since 1988.
Courses in Damascus steel, handles and guards, advanced grinding, and more, are taught through the program housed on TC's campus.
(To find out more about taking a class or applying for the Arizona Custom Knives' scholarship, call 903-823-3015 or go to cbe.texarkanacollege.edu/bladesmith/ online.)