History Main / NationalWeapon

** The ''jian'' was a [[HeroesPreferSwords light, narrow straight sword]] which was used in a quick, precise style somewhat comparable to fencing. It was called the gentleman of weapons because it was refined, graceful and versatile, and was the WeaponOfChoice for nobles, scholars amd even some women.

Likely to be wielded by a ProudWarriorRace. If the weapon in question is a physical part of an alien race's anatomy then see NaturalWeapon.

** 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. Oddly enough, for a faction for whom jokes such as "Lyran Scout Lance = four ''Atlases''" is only marginally not the truth, they also heavily use the ''Commando'' light 'mech.

[[folder: Anime and Manga]]

[[folder: Fan Works ]]

[[folder: Film ]]

[[folder: Literature ]]

[[folder: Live Action TV ]]

[[folder: Tabletop Games ]]

[[folder: Video Games ]]

[[folder: Webcomics]]

[[folder: Real life]]

** [[Administrivia/RuleOfCautiousEditingJudgment For better or worse,]] being the only country to actually use them in war has given the United States a likely-irrevocable link with [[NukeEm nuclear weapons.]]

* The Aiel in ''Literature/TheWheelOfTime'' use knives and bows, but prefer the short-spears, and will not touch a sword under any circumstances. This is revealed as a plot point in the backstory, as there is a specific reason for this reluctance. Also, Two Rivers folk are known for their very effective use of the longbow.

** Based (as always) on Tolkien, the dwarfs consider their battleaxes cultural artifacts, and will not part with them even when circumstances require them to bequeath all other weapons (at a diplomatic function, for instance; in ''Literature/TheFifthElephant'' Vimes reminds himself that a dwarf with an axe slung across his back is "politely dressed" rather than "heavily armed"). In ''Discworld/{{Thud}}'' we are introduced to a more liberal sect of dwarfs who do not carry these, believing that the axe is "a state of mind". It helps that they've invented kung fu ("It's like using an axe, without the axe").

** Trolls also have clubs, to a lesser degree (a ceremonial club was a minor plot point in ''Discworld/{{Thud}}'').
** In ''Discworld/{{Jingo}}'', 71-Hour Achmed, a Klatchian, is allowed to attend a diplomatic function with a scimitar almost as large as he is because it's cultural.

** Sisters of Battle: More like, Sisters of [[FireBreathingWeapon Fire]].

*** The Grey Knights have other options, but are largely portrayed using their nemesis force halberds. Other Space Marines chapters may also have a famous predilection for a particular weapon, but the Grey Knights' are definitely unique since no other Space Marine chapter can employ their weapons en-mass because only the Grey Knights are all being psykers.

** 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. The association with swords was played up through romanticized tales of wandering ronin challenging each other to duels during the Edo period.

* The Luger pistol is probably the most iconic weapon used by UsefulNotes/NaziGermany.
** The MG42 is nearly as well-known - German infantry tactics were noticeably based around it, and the modernizations upon the weapon's design are still in use to this day.

** The ''gun'' was a SimpleStaff. It was called the grandfather of weapons because it was old, reliable and quite powerful despite its unassuming appearance.

** The ''gun'' was a SimpleStaff. It was called the grandfather of weapons because it was old, reliable and quite powerful despite its unassuming appearance.

* Dwarves use axes in ''LordOfTheRings''.

** The M1911 .45 automatic pistol designed by Mormon gunsmith John M. Browning of Ogden, Utah is the official firearm of the state of Utah.

** [[RuleOfCautiousEditingJudgement For better or worse,]] being the only country to actually use them in war has given the United States a likely-irrevocable link with [[NukeEm nuclear weapons.]]

*** Browning's M2 heavy machine gun isn't quite as prolific (because, you know, no one is crazy enough to let you keep a heavy machine gun), but being the ''only'' .50 caliber machine gun the U.S. military has kept in service (and has been in service since 1933) definitely counts for something.

[[caption-width-right:325: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]]]]