After seeing all of his specials and most episodes of Monster Garage I was confused. How could I have missed this one? Say what you will about Jesse James but this whole neo-chopper subculture never would have got going without him. Everyone that I know who has met him says he is a genuinely nice, interesting guy and insanely knowledgeable about all things choppers, motorcycles and anything related to racing.
I was staying at my parents so I quickly ran out to get some coffee since they don't drink the high octane stuff. I settled in, guarded the remote and was not bored in the slightest during the entire two hours. Not only did JJ build a chopper from a rare Drake motor, a water cooled knucklehead used in Midget cars, but he talked about his life, his successes and failures, and hand forged a set of forks from raw steel using skills learned from a master blacksmith at a kibbutz in Israel.
It was great to see two other cats featured whose work I have also admired;
the amazing sculptor Jeff Decker
and Dan "Bacon" Carr
I am hoping that this will go into heavy rotation on THC and signal a much deserved comeback.
My only observation is that the release must have been delayed due to his high profile divorce and resulting negative tabloid attention. Most of the action takes place around the closing of WCC and the opening of Austin Speed Shop. The exposure from the recent Biker Buildoff 3-way goat schtup probably had something to do with it too. Admittedly it is impossible for me to sit through anything with the Teutels. I dont regret missing that show one bit. However, a sure way to cleanse your palate is by watching a true craftsman in action. Jesse James: Blacksmith is a satisfying showcase of the talent and humanity of a guy who at one time or another has been a hero to us all.
