While the bangkung is a very effective sword, it was not popular unlike the panabas and the pirah[2] and for this reason it is one of the most rarely found Moro edged weapons.

The overall size of bangkung varies, ranging from 50 to 75 cm (20 to 30 in), although a few shorter and longer specimens have been proposed as examples.

This has the effect of moving the point of maximum percussion (i.e., directed force of a blow) somewhat forward along the blade.

This may be very gradual, with a longer curve as in the "Wharncliff" tip style, or shorter as in the "Sheepsfoot" manner.

Older bangkung may have a hilt pommel carved as a stylized cockatoo head with beak and crest.

The scabbard for a bangkung is typically made of two wooden boards lashed together with braided rattan.