Veterans find solace in bladesmithing course for PTSD

WASHINGTON, Ark. (KTAL/KMSS) – This week, the James Black School of Bladesmithing and Historic Trades is holding an annual course exclusively for veterans. Some of them who suffer from issues like PTSD find that it has some unexpected benefits.

“The problem with PTSD is that you’re reliving your worst day over and over again, multiple times a day,” says Army Veteran Matt Fisk, who is taking the course for the second time. “The great thing about bladesmithing is that you have to be in the moment. You can’t be back there; you have to be right here, present, and if you’re not, you’re going to get burnt, you’re going to get cut. Something bad can happen.”

It may seem like an unlikely place to find peace, but that’s precisely what some of these veterans can find at this course. Additionally, they gain some newfound knowledge.

“Some of the guys that come through have been making knives before, and they think they know all there is to know about it, and then after the first day, they think ‘Wow, there’s more to this than I even imagined,'” says JR Cook, an instructor with the James Black School.

At the end of the five-day course, participants will also take home a knife they have made with their own hands.

“To watch something come to life in your hands from a bar of nothing to a useful tool has a lot of appeal, and it can actually outpace our desire to stay in our trauma,” says Fisk.

This particular course is free because the instructors believe the veterans have already given enough.

“I think they paid a pretty stiff price for this country. They put their life on the line for us so that we can do what we want to do, so that I could come and I could teach, or I could go fishing at the lake. I mean, these guys have bought my freedom, and I think it’s very important that we give something back to them,” says Cook.

The courses are facilitated through the University of Hope-Texarkana. The veterans’ course is only possible through fundraising. They also offer several other bladesmithing courses open to the public for a fee. To sign up for a course or contribute to the veteran’s class, contact the university.