Voulge: This Weapon Created the First Regular French Army

A formidable weapon was required, one that would draw attention, provide a barricade against a crowd, and be able to strike or defend against an attacker. This weapon was known as the voulge, or the "breach knife."

voulge
Creation of the Franc-Archers by King Charles VII. Note the characters in the foreground wielding voulges. Painted around 1484. (Public Domain Image)