VENDORS & EXHIBITORS

Vilar Knives

Master Bladesmith

Ricardo Vilar

Washington's own Mastersmith. Internationally renowned for fine materials, functional design, and blades forged with precision and artistry.

Master Bladesmith · National Living Treasure

Jerry Fisk

ABS Mastersmith and National Heritage Fellow, recognized as a National Living Treasure. A lifetime of artistry in custom knifemaking celebrated worldwide.

Master Bladesmith

Lin Rhea

A renowned bladesmith whose work reflects decades of skill, dedication, and artistry in the craft of handmade knives.

CS Knives

Master Bladesmith

Cass Stanford

Handmade knives blending traditional craftsmanship with modern precision — functional art built for performance and made to last.

Master Bladesmith · Arkansas

Ben Seward

One of Arkansas' finest knife makers — rugged, refined craftsmanship rooted in Southern tradition and the legacy of the Bowie knife. Competes in the Arkansas State Cutting Competition and offers one-of-a-kind custom knives that blend function with stunning form.

310 FORGE

Master Bladesmith

Michel Kahil

Precision, artistry, and deep respect for the tradition of bladesmithing. Known for visually striking, finely tuned blades.

Caston Custom Blades

ABS Apprentice Smith

Randy Caston

Forged in Fire winner (Season 6, Ep. 16) from Liberty, Mississippi. A range from everyday carry pieces to intricate Bowie knives.

J.M. Stevens Knives

ABS Journeyman Smith

Jaymes Stevens

Arkansas roots and deep respect for Bowie knife heritage. Functional and artistically refined knives sought by collectors and enthusiasts.

Double R Forge

Bladesmith

Ramsey Richardson

Custom knives using locally sourced and self-stabilized Arkansas hardwoods — maple burl, spalted pecan, and beyond.

SKMO Knives

ABS Apprentice Smith

Lee Parsons

Shell Knob, Missouri. Traditional bladesmithing with a dedication to quality craftsmanship in every blade.

Knife Maker · Texarkana, AR

John Lindsey

Precision kitchen knives to finely crafted folding knives — functionality and artistry in every piece.

Bladesmith · AR State Cutting Champion

Jim Bob Lamb

Nashville, Arkansas. Arkansas State Cutting Champion with deep roots in the historic heart of American blade culture.

Master Bladesmith of Arkansas

Tim Foster

One of the finest bladesmiths in the nation, bringing artistry, tradition, and raw skill to the forge.

Ty Martin Hand Forged Knives

Bladesmith

Ty Martin

Each piece hand-forged with meticulous attention to detail, combining traditional technique with modern artistry.

Mille Blades

ABS Journeyman Bladesmith

Adam Mille

A regular at the WPA Gym since 2022, Adam displays handcrafted blades for sale. Dedicated to traditional forging techniques and innovative designs — historical inspiration meets modern artistry.

Knife Maker

Thomas Franklin

Custom handmade knives crafted with skill and attention to detail.

Knife Maker · Oklahoma

Tony Baker

A knife maker out of Oklahoma bringing quality craftsmanship and passion for the blade to the 2026 festival.

SHANKnives

Knife Maker

Shane Frank

Handcrafted knives built with attention to detail, rugged performance, and practical design — perfect for collectors and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Shane continues the tradition of American bladesmithing inspired by the legacy of James Black.

Tabone Knives

Bladesmith · Perry, AR

Dawson Tabone

An Arkansas native who began his knife-making journey around 2015 under the mentorship of master bladesmith Lin Rhea. Tabone forges all of his blades by hand and tests each one before it leaves the shop — crafting blades that blend traditional technique with modern artistry.

Yates Unicorn Ranch Ministries

Bladesmith · Forging Challenge Winner

Cory Yates

Winner of the Forging Challenge at the James Black Bowie Heritage Festival. Look for Cory at his tent where he will be live forging and sharing about God's work in his life. Check out his ministry on Facebook.

Reeder Products, Inc.

Owner & Designer

Greg Reeder

Creator of the acclaimed Reeder 2x72 belt grinder, trusted by custom knifemakers worldwide. Three generations of precision engineering behind every product.

Bladesmithing Supplier · Kansas

Franz Supply

David Franz out of Kansas handles quality supplies and materials for bladesmiths of every level. Franz Supply can be found on Facebook.

Randall's Engraving Inc.

Master Engraver

Steve Randall

Decades of experience in custom knife engraving, heirloom firearms, and metalwork. Precision, tradition, and timeless artistry in every piece.

Fine Artist & Engraver · Nashville, AR

Renata Vilar

Award-winning watercolors, lifelike animal portraits, vibrant painted glass, and intricate engraving on firearms and other media.

Champion Knife & Axe Thrower · The Texas Cowboy

J.W. Wiseman

High-energy knife and axe throwing demonstrations and competitive entertainment from the one and only Texas Cowboy.

Artisan Leather Goods · Hope, AR

Rowe's Leather Goods

A small business in Hope specializing in high-quality leather products. With a focus on traditional craftsmanship and detail, they offer a range of leather goods for everyday use.

Custom Leather Goods · Benton, AR

Wildt Leather

Brian Wildt will be at the festival on April 25 demonstrating the layout and production of a leather sheath. A family-owned business offering custom handmade goods, repairs, and boot resoling — crafting since the mid-90s.

Artist & Craftsman · Texarkana, AR

Mike Mack

Mike Mack of Texarkana, AR, creates spoons and spatulas from various wood types. Each product is unique in shape and size for right or left-handed users.

Handcrafted Wood Goods · Washington, AR

Hays Wood Products

Kurt and Wanda Hays of Washington bring handcrafted wood jewelry, keepsake boxes, and wood bowls. Accent end tables, tv tables, hope chests, and urns will be made upon request.

Starrlight Treats

Artisan Chocolatier · Arkadelphia, AR

Starr Mortensen

Starr Mortensen of Arkadelphia creates homemade chocolates, caramels, and chocolate dipped fruits.

Big Cedar Baits

Handmade Fishing Lures · Hope, AR

Chris Malone

Chris Malone of Hope brings his handmade, hand-painted crank baits and top-water baits to the festival on Saturday only. Unique gifts for the fishermen in your life.

Beekeeping · Honey · Education

Southern Yankee

Experienced beekeepers offering bee rescue and removal services, comprehensive beekeeping education programs, and bees, honey, and beekeeping equipment for sale. Est. 2020.

Watts Leather of Arkansas

Artisan Leather Goods · Benton, AR

Randy Watts

Leather goods and more out of Benton, Arkansas. Ms. Watts also creates beaded earrings and other handcrafted items — a little something for everyone.

Fiddler · 2026 Arkansas Living Treasure

Tim Trawick

Recognized by the Arkansas Arts Council as a 2026 Arkansas Living Treasure for outstanding contributions to traditional folk music. From Greenbrier, Arkansas.

Bob's Antiques

Knife Dealer · Hope, AR

Bob Erwin

Owner of Bob's Antiques in Hope, Bob carries several brands of manufactured knives, new and antiques. His love for these products can be heard in his descriptions of them, as well as his stories.

KNIFE Magazine

Publisher · Antique Bowie Knife Collector

Mark D. Zalesky

Life member of the Antique Bowie Knife Association and Owner/Publisher of KNIFE Magazine. Mark shares his remarkable antique Bowie knife collection with a focus on early American coffin-handle Bowies, and offers evaluation and historical context for your old knives.

Historian · Antique Bowie Knife Collector

Michael Dale Payne

Life member of the Antique Bowie Knife Association. Michael presents the history of James Bowie and the 12 knives historically associated with him — fact, fable, and fraud — through his personal collection of authentic pieces, detailed reproductions, and interpretations.

Food Truck

BB's Fish, Burgers, & More

A food truck serving up fish, burgers, and more. Find them on Facebook for the latest updates.

Sno Cones & Lemonade

Sno Cone Express

Fresh sno cones and lemonade, served from a van that moves between the food truck area and the Blade School throughout the festival. Owned by Beth Launius.

Food Vendor · Returning

Becci's Cafe

A returning food vendor bringing their fan-favorite menu back to the 2026 festival.

Food Vendor · Returning

Tracy's Concessions

A returning concessions vendor, a familiar face at the James Black Bowie Heritage Festival.