Josey Wales' Knife: Fact vs Fiction in The Outlaw Josey Wales

The legendary character, Josey Wales, is a part of popular western culture as portrayed in the film The Outlaw Josey Wales. Directed by Clint Eastwood, the film, based on the novel Gone to Texas by Forrest Carter, presents a vivid depiction of the early American West. However, many fans and historians often wonder about the authenticity of the knife carried by the titular character. This article delves into the reality behind the knife wielded by Josey Wales, separating fact from fiction in the film.

Unsharpened or Just a Myth?

Director Clint Eastwood reportedly did not use a real knife on set for Josey Wales. Instead, the Property Man provided a fake, unsharpened knife before filming began. This detail was likely forgotten, or ignored, by the cast and crew, leading to a perpetuation of the myth that Josey carried a genuine knife. The truth is, in the tale of Josey Wales, the knife was more of a prop and less of a trusted tool.

Reality: The Tools of the Trade

In reality, Josey Wales was a poor man on the trail. Given his lack of resources, he would have been more likely to carry a practical, everyday knife rather than a custom fighting one. The iconic Bowie knife, while popular during this era, was not the primary choice for practical use among the average person. Instead, Josey would have been more likely to carry a Russell Green River skinner or hunter knife.

The Green River Skinner/Hunter: These knives were widely available, shipped in bulk to trading stores and outposts across the Western United States. With a blade in the 4 to 6 inches range, they would have been practical tools for both processing food and personal defense, though the latter was not Josey's primary concern. The curved blade of a skinner knife, often visible in films, would not have been as prominent in the hands of Josey Wales. Therefore, a simpler, straight-bladed hunting knife more aligned with the GR Hunter would have been more realistic.

Blade Length and Practicality

The fictional portrayal of the knife in the film was likely simplified for dramatic effect and audience appeal. In reality, Josey's knife would have been more about functionality and handling than overpowering an opponent. For his generation, after the Civil War, a knife was a tool, not a weapon. The knives were shipped in quantity, and average folks could afford them. Thus, a knife that Josey carried would have been a common, practical tool for culinary and survival purposes rather than a weapon for combat.

Competing with Multiple Guns

It is worth noting that Josey carried four pistols in addition to his knife. These six-shooters served as his primary tools for defense and lethal combat. In contrast, in reality, an everyday knife would have been more suited for processing food and handling everyday tasks. Therefore, while a knife could be carried for practical reasons, it was not Josey's primary tool for fighting.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the knife wielded by Josey Wales in the film is part of the enduring legacy of the character, the reality is quite different. The Green River skinner or hunter knife would have been more practical and common for a trail-ranger like Josey Wales. This article aims to clarify the distinction between the entertaining portrayal and the historical context, providing a more accurate understanding of the character and his weaponry. Understanding the real-world context adds depth to the appreciation of both the film and the historical narrative.