Originally a fighting weapon, it is most often seen today in the martial art of pencak silat and worn during traditional ceremonies.

The most common type is made of brass or silver steel with a sheath of wood or buffalo horn.

Royal rencong have sheathes of ivory and blade made from gold, engraved with Quranic verses.

It is then whipped to the right with a snap of the hand, bringing the palm upwards while the elbow is close to the body.

While the thrust is the primary method of attack, circular and elliptical slashing techniques exist as well.