There are two well-known variations of the sundang: the sundang lipas, a double-edged sword-shaped type, and the larger dagger-shaped sundang, which can have a curved, straight, or straight with a hilt design.
The sundang is primarily employed for slashing or hacking rather than stabbing, mainly serving an offensive purpose rather than a defensive one.
In Malaysia, the sundang holds significant importance as the only two-edged sword of note. The straight, single-edged sword with a consistently wide blade is referred to as "chenangkas" in the Malay Peninsula and "lamang" in Java. A heavier, two-handed sword is known as "berandal" and is commonly found in Borneo. The two-handed swords of Chinese and Japanese origin are called "jenawi."
Some "chenangkas" possess a metal crosspiece perpendicular to the hilt, possibly intended to prevent the hand from sliding when applying wrist pressure during wielding. It is worth noting that some "chenangkas" currently in circulation may be recent reproductions or counterfeits.
Of particular interest, and often displaying superior craftsmanship, is the curved sword known to Malays as the "shamsir." This term exclusively refers to the curved saber or scimitar originating from Persia. The Indian counterpart, the "shamsir" or "tulwar," is a cross-hilted sword. The hilt is commonly made of brass, occasionally iron or silver, and incorporates a pommel at the end to ensure a secure grip during cutting motions. The pommel is typically large and hollow, designed to maintain the sword's balance while keeping it lightweight.
The Malay sundang
