This wooden handle is often decorated with finely carved inlaid bands made of the horn of a water buffalo or a stag.

At the end of the handle is a knob which is also made of a horn of a stag, or sometimes of light-colored bone or ivory, giving it a contrast with the normally dark-colored hilt.

Pisau raut styles that has a long hilt is held tight between the ribs and lower arms, or under the armpit.

[2] Other variety of pisau raut found in Sumatra has shorter hilt but with a reversed edged,[4] similar to a mushroom knife.

The blade of the pisau raut is usually as sharp as a shaving knife, favored by country folks for numerous fine bamboo and rattan craft works.