History Main / NationalWeapon

** Orcs mostly single-edged chopping blades similar to machetes or falchions. Uruk-Hai berserkers use two-handed double-edged swords.

* Dwarves use axes in ''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings''.

** Orcs use scimitars.

** The ''gun'' was a MartialArtsStaff. It was called the grandfather of weapons because it was old, reliable and quite powerful despite its unassuming appearance. Also helps that it is the foundation for a lot of other polearms like the Guan Dao.

** The ''gun'' was a SimpleStaff. It was called the grandfather of weapons because it was old, reliable and quite powerful despite its unassuming appearance. Also helps that it is the foundation for a lot of other polearms like the Guan Dao.

** The [[ProudMerchantRace Lyran Commonwealth]] have a fondness for [[MightyGlacier assault mechs]] - especially the ''[[SkeleBot9000 Atlas]]'' - and later begin slapping [[MagneticWeapon Gauss Rifles]] on anything they can find. However, in spite of a faction for whom jokes such as "Lyran Scout Lance = four ''Atlases''" is frequently repeated, they also heavily use the ''Commando'' and other light 'mechs.
** The [[TheFederation Free Worlds League]] favors the ''Orion'' and ''Awesome'' battlemechs, and while they do not have a favorite weapon, they use ''all'' forms of armored vehicles heavily.

** The [[ChinaTakesOverTheWorld Capellan Confederation]] uses the hodgepodge ''Cataphract'' and ''[[FragileSpeedster Raven]]'' extensively, and often rely on [[BeamSpam lots of lasers]] combined with advanced sensor suites.

* In ''VideoGame/{{Splatoon}}'', the squid-people of Inkopolis wield a variety of weapons in Turf Wars, but by far the most iconic weapon is the Splattershot, which looks like a water gun but designed to fire ink rather than water.

* The [[UsefulNotes/{{Finland}} Finns]] have their puukko knives - quite unremarkable 4- to 6-inch, plain, single-edged, usually wooden-handled utility knives. These knives have proven to be [[BoringButPractical the ultimate appliance for everything from crafting and cooking to eating and solving disputes with irritating neighbors]] for the past 500 years or so. [[KnifeNut And running]].

* There's [[KnifeNut a damned good reason]] that [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicarii Sicarii]] means "dagger-men".
** By comparison, if you see a modern Israeli soldier in fiction, odds are very good they'll be using an Uzi submachinegun or a Galil assault rifle. In truth, both these weapons are no longer used by the IDF in any serious capcity. The Israeli army has been using American M16s and M4s for a long while, and are slowly switching over to the local Tavor (which you ''may'' see in more contemporary visual media by virture of it being a very cool looking one).

* The [[UsefulNotes/TheGloryThatWasRome Romans]] had the ''pilum'' javelin. Starting as an Etruscan weapon, the Romans adopted and perfected its design and use, making it something truly devastating and their trademark weapon.
** Even more than the ''pilum'' was the ''gladius'' shortsword. The sword that conquered the world in Roman hands, it was the weapon of the legions, a gladius and shield combination, discipline, and good old fashioned numbers are the 3 key factors of the Romans being the massive military power that they were. It also helps that the Romans having a sword being standard-issue at all was a significant rarity throughout history - people usually made due with axes or spears.
* Mexicans could be argued to have the Macahuitl, used extensively throughout the Aztec empire, consisting of a wooden club with impossibly-sharp obsidian blades etched into the sides of the club. It has been called by some an "obsidian chainsaw" due to how it functioned. Spanish accounts mentioned it was capable of decapitating a horse, modern recreations have proved it.
** On a more modern setting, the Mexican Army created it's own Assault Rifle, the FX-05 Xiuhcóatl, the specifics of which are a close guarded secret of the Mexican army. It's purpose was to essentially fulfill this trope, created to be a signature weapon of the Mexican armed forces.
*** Also of note was the Fusil Porfirio Diaz Sistema Mondragón Modelo 1908, or Mondragón Rifle for short, recognized as the first self-loading, or semi-automatic rifle used in battle, by Mexican troops during the Mexican Revolution, and by the Germans during World War I.
*** During the 19th century, the Mexicans, who were recognized as world-class horsemen since the days of New Spain, were particularly fearsome lancers. Texan and American accounts mention the fear the Mexican lancers would inspire in some troops.

** More recently, and probably more to the status of MemeticMutation, Ukraine appreciates modern portable AntiArmor weapons very much against the Russian invasion in 2022. Look no further than [[https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/theredstonerocket.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/6e/76eefb76-a535-11ec-a9e1-2b79327cd0ea/6231f43ed8c90.image.jpg?resize=390%2C500 "Saint Javelin."]]

[[caption-width-right:350:In Oman, their emblem is nothing but weapons.[[note]]The center J-shaped object is a sheathed [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khanjar khanjar]], a men's dagger used primarily for ceremonies, but also sees use as a utility knife and self-defense weapon. It is superimposed over two crossed swords.[[/note]]]]

* ''Literature/MartinFierro'': Gauchos (Argentinian {{Cowboy}}s)and the Mapubhes (Argentinain Indians) used the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolas "Boleadoras" or “Bolas”]], [[SufferTheSlings a type of throwing weapon made of weights on the ends of interconnected cords]], used to capture animals by entangling their legs and to kill enemies.

** In the ''TabletopGame/{{Eberron}}'' setting there are several. Elves favour double-bladed swords, the Qualitar have long knives and triple-bladed boomerangs, Dakhaani hobgoblins have unusual [[http://eberron.wikia.com/wiki/Hobgoblin heavy single-edged swords]], and Talenta halflings have more traditional boomerangs.

** The [[JapanTakesOverTheWorld Draconis Combine]] relies on the ''[[LightningBruiser Dragon]]'' and ''Grand Dragon'' [[note]]so much so that fluff has entire companies composed solely of the design[[/note]], and typically have either a [[LightningGun particle projector cannon]] or [[MacrossMissileMassacre medium range missiles]]. They are also the heaviest users of the ''Jenner'' and ''Panther'' designs as well, to the point of them being near-exclusive to the Combine.

** The various [[ProudWarriorRace Clans]] all share similar fighting styles and weapons, but each has their own favored mech - Jade Falcon loves the [[StoneWall Summoner]], [[HornyVikings Ghost Bear]] has a fondness for the outdated ''[[AnimalMecha Kodiak]]'', and so on. To the Clans as a whole, they like sending out ''Timber Wolves'' [[note]]Or, ''Mad Cat'', if you're a Spheroid[[/note]].

* Longbows were once this for the English and the Welsh (they even continued to use them while other nations adopted early firearms), to the point that the longbow design which all of Europe used is known as the English or Welsh Longbow (despite it not being the native bow of either nation). One not known quite as much today was the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_(weapon) bill]], a polearm, derived from the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billhook billhook]] (an agricultural tool) with a broad, hooked chopping head and usually a spike on top; the combination of longbow fire and billmen was positively devastating. The English used the combination to greatest effect in the 1513 Battle of Flodden Field (often considered the last great battle in the British Isles fought primarily with medieval weapons),[[note]]It was not, as sometimes reported, the last battle with polearms--both sides in the UsefulNotes/EnglishCivilWar over a century later retained pikemen to protect their musketry from cavalry assault--nor was it the last battle without firearms--both the Scots and English used cannon.[[/note]] where 26,000 English armed with bills and longbows under Catherine of Aragon (yes, ''that'' Catherine of Aragon, the ''Queen''!)[[note]] Catherine didn't actually see battle, although that was partly only due to chance: She had designed a three-layered defense, where the Scots would have to fight three armies; the reason she didn't see battle is because James Game Over'd on Level One. Ironically, the actual commander at Flodden Field was the grandfather of Anne Boleyn.[[/note]] defeated 30-34,000 Scots armed with supposedly more modern pikes under James IV (who became the last English or Scottish monarch to die in battle).

*** [[http://www.brownsafe.com/blog/top-10-tactical-tomahawks/ Tactical tomahawks]] are modern versions well-used by US military and law enforcement personnel for a wide variety of tasks (not just going AxCrazy on an enemy).
*** These days, it still is the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomahawk_%28missile%29 tomahawk]].

* More like National Armor than weapon, the unofficial emblem of the Romanian Army since 1938 has been [[http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j170/peter_suciu/romanian_m34_big1.jpg the Dutch Helmet]], based on the Dutch M28 and M34 steel helmets. It was adopted back in [[TheThirties the late 1930s]] for some reason, and due to local production and German shipments of captured Dutch equipment during UsefulNotes/WorldWarII, became ubiquitous enough to remain in production during the Communist years and saw regular use until [[TheNineties the mid-1990s]].

* The ancient Chinese had their own unique weapon, the ''ge'' or [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dagger-axe "dagger-axe"]], that looks somewhat like a halberd but is quite different in origin.

** More recently, and probably more to the status of MemeticMutation, Ukraine appreciates modern portable AntiArmor weapons very much against the Russian invasion in 2022. Look no further than [[https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/theredstonerocket.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/6e/76eefb76-a535-11ec-a9e1-2b79327cd0ea/6231f43ed8c90.image.jpg?resize=390%2C500 "Saint Javelin"]].

* More recently, and probably more to the status of MemeticMutation, Ukraine appreciates modern portable AntiArmor weapons very much against the Russian invasion in 2022. Look no further than [[https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/theredstonerocket.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/6e/76eefb76-a535-11ec-a9e1-2b79327cd0ea/6231f43ed8c90.image.jpg?resize=390%2C500 "Saint Javelin"]].

* Longbows were once this for the English and the Welsh (they even continued to use them while other nations adopted early firearms), to the point that the longbow design which all of Europe used is known as the English or Welsh Longbow (despite it not being the native bow of either nation). One not known quite as much today was the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_(weapon) bill]], a polearm, derived from the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billhook billhook]] (an agricultural tool) with a broad, hooked chopping head and usually a spike on top; the combination of longbow fire and billmen was positively devastating. The English used the combination to greatest effect in the 1513 Battle of Flodden Field (often considered the last great battle in the British Isles fought primarily with medieval weapons),[[note]]It was not, as sometimes reported, the last battle with polearms--both sides in the UsefulNotes/EnglishCivilWar over a century later retained pikemen to protect their musketry from cavalry assault--nor was it the last battle without firearms--both the Scots and English used cannon.[[/note]] where 26,000 English armed with bills and longbows under Catherine of Aragon (yes, ''that'' Catherine of Aragon, the ''Queen''!) defeated 30-34,000 Scots armed with supposedly more modern pikes under James IV (who became the last English or Scottish monarch to die in battle).

* The bolo of the UsefulNotes/{{Philippines}}. The [[ButterflyKnife balisong]] has also gained mainstream popularity as of late.

*** During the XIX century, the Mexicans, who since the days of New Spain were recognized as world-class horsemen, were particularly fearsome Lancers. Texan and American accounts mention the fear the Mexicans Lancers would inspire in some troops.

* The Goa'uld have their troops wield staff weapons in [[Franchise/StargateVerse Stargate]]. The System Lords themselves use Ribbon Devices that can project force fields and melt people's brains. They also have [[StunGun zat guns]] that can stun/kill enemies and [[AgonyBeam pain sticks]] for torturing prisoners.

* The bolo of the UsefulNotes/{{Philippines}}.

** KatanasAreJustBetter for samurai. This association is actually NewerThanTheyThink: traditionally, samurai were equally associated with bows and spears, with the katana serving as a backup weapon. Even then, by the time of the UsefulNotes/SengokuPeriod, these weapons fell out of favor as armies started using firearms. The association with swords was played up through romanticized tales of wandering ronin challenging each other to duels during the Edo period. In the early imperial period the military adapted western style designs, albeit with Japanese style grips to make it easier for officers to adapt. By the 20th century the military made a mass produced sword patterned on the katana called the ''guntō''. A common war trophy in World War II, they are frequently confused for katanas.

** KatanasAreJustBetter for samurai. This association is actually NewerThanTheyThink: traditionally, samurai were equally associated with bows and spears, with the katana serving as a backup weapon. Even then, by the time of the UsefulNotes/SengokuPeriod, these weapons fell out of favor as armies started using firearms. The association with swords was played up through romanticized tales of wandering ronin challenging each other to duels during the Edo period. In the early imperial period the military adapted western style designs, albeit with Japanese style grips to make it easier for officers to adapt. By the 20th century the military made a mass produced sword called a ''guntō'' patterned on the katana. A common war trophy in World War II, they are frequently confused for katanas.

** KatanasAreJustBetter for samurai. This association is actually NewerThanTheyThink: traditionally, samurai were equally associated with bows and spears, with the katana serving as a backup weapon. Even then, by the time of the UsefulNotes/SengokuPeriod, these weapons fell out of favor as armies started using firearms. The association with swords was played up through romanticized tales of wandering ronin challenging each other to duels during the Edo period. In the early imperial period the military adapted western style designs, albeit with Japanese style grips to make it easier for officers to adapt. By the 20th century the military made a mass produced sword patterned on the katana. A common war trophy in World War II, they are frequently confused for katanas.

** KatanasAreJustBetter for samurai. This association is actually NewerThanTheyThink: traditionally, samurai were equally associated with bows and spears, with the katana serving as a backup weapon. Even then, by the time of the UsefulNotes/SengokuPeriod, these weapons fell out of favor as armies started using firearms. The association with swords was played up through romanticized tales of wandering ronin challenging each other to duels during the Edo period.

* Longbows were once this for the English and the Welsh (they even continued to use them while other nations adopted early firearms), to the point that the longbow design which all of Europe used is known as the English or Welsh Longbow (despite it not being the native bow of either nation). One not known quite as much today was the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_(weapon) bill]], a polearm, derived from the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billhook billhook]] (an agricultural tool) with a broad, hooked chopping head and usually a spike on top; the combination of longbow fire and billmen was positively devastating. The English used the combination to greatest effect in the 1513 Battle of Flodden Field (often considered the last great battle in the British Isles fought primarily with medieval weapons),[[note]]It was not, as sometimes reported, the last battle with polearms--both sides in the UsefulNotes/EnglishCivilWar over a century later retained pikemen to protect their musketry from cavalry assault--nor was it the last battle without firearms--both the Scots and English used cannon.[[/note]] where 26,000 English armed with bills and longbows under Catherine of Aragon (yes!) defeated 30-34,000 Scots armed with supposedly more modern pikes under James IV (who became the last English or Scottish monarch to die in battle).

[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/omani_national_emblem.png]]
[[caption-width-right:350:In [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oman Oman]], their emblem is nothing but weapons.[[note]]The center J-shaped object is a sheathed [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khanjar khanjar]], a men's dagger used primarily for ceremonies, but also sees use as a utility knife and self-defense weapon. It is superimposed over two crossed swords.[[/note]]]]