Introduction: What Makes the Bahco 396-LAP Stand Out
The Bahco 396-LAP Laplander has a reputation that precedes it. It is the saw you see strapped to the packs of arborists, hunters, and serious gardeners. It is designed as a compact saw for clearing overgrown blackberry canes, cutting back dead apple branches, and occasionally dealing with fallen limbs after a storm. It aims to take up little space in a tool bag while handling real cutting work. This review examines its specs, owner feedback, and overall value.
Performance: Smooth, Fast, and Surprisingly Aggressive
Cutting Speed and Quality
The 7.5-inch blade features a unique tooth pattern that Bahco calls “XT toothing,” combining large, aggressive teeth with smaller, finer teeth. The big teeth rip through wood on the pull stroke, while the smaller teeth clear the sawdust. On a 3-inch green apple branch, owners consistently report cutting through in under 10 seconds with three full strokes. On dead, dry oak, it takes about 15 seconds for a similar thickness. Cuts are clean, with minimal tearing of the bark. The blade does not bind or jump, even at awkward angles. The saw requires little effort, letting the tool do the work.
Compact and Easy to Carry
Folded, the Laplander is about 9 inches long and weighs less than a pound. It fits into the side pocket of a gardening apron or clips to a belt loop using the included nylon sheath. It does not flop around or dig into the hip. For anyone who does a lot of walking through a property or needs a saw for quick touch-ups, this form factor is ideal. It is also small enough to fit in a backpack without taking up space needed for water or snacks. It deploys and stows quickly for trail clearing or quick pruning.
Secure Blade Lock
The locking mechanism is a simple twist-lock that engages the blade in the open position. By twisting the collar at the hinge, the blade locks rigid. Owner feedback confirms that the lock holds even under full body weight during a cut, preventing the saw from collapsing mid-cut—a critical safety feature. The lock also secures the blade in the closed position, keeping it safely tucked away when not in use.
Build and Value: Mostly Durable, With One Annoying Flaw
Handle Comfort and Ergonomics
The handle is made from a rubberized plastic that provides a good grip, even when wet or muddy, with a textured surface. However, the handle is bulky and shaped to fill a large hand. Users with medium-sized hands can grip it comfortably, but those with smaller hands may struggle. Feedback indicates that smaller hands cannot wrap fully around the handle, and the shape can force the wrist into an awkward angle when cutting low to the ground. Potential buyers with small hands should try this saw in person before purchasing.
Blade Replacement Requires a Tool
A notable drawback: replacing the blade requires a Torx T20 driver, with no tool stored on the saw itself. This is a major oversight for a tool designed for outdoor use. If a blade breaks in the field, the user is out of luck unless they have the specific bit. Many competing folding saws offer tool-free blade changes. Bahco does not include a small wrench that clips to the sheath or saw body. For most gardeners, this is not a daily issue because the blade lasts a long time, but it can be a frustration during a big pruning job if the blade dulls.
Durability and Materials
The blade is made from Swedish steel with a rust-resistant coating. Owner reports indicate no rust after exposure to damp conditions, and the coating holds up well. The handle does not crack or warp, and the hinge pin is solid steel. The saw is built to withstand normal use without falling apart. The included nylon sheath is basic but functional, with a belt loop and snap closure. For its mid-range price point, the build quality is good—not a premium tool, but not cheaply made.
Who Should Buy the Bahco 396-LAP
This saw suits several types of users. First, anyone who needs a compact, portable saw for on-the-go pruning, such as those with a large property or who do trail maintenance. Second, hikers and campers who need a reliable saw for cutting firewood or clearing trails, thanks to its light weight and secure lock. Third, gardeners with medium to large hands who want a fast-cutting saw that does not require a lot of arm strength. The aggressive tooth design makes it easy to cut through branches up to 4 inches thick.
However, people with small hands should try it first, as the bulky handle can be a dealbreaker. It is not recommended for heavy-duty, all-day pruning requiring hundreds of cuts; a fixed-blade saw or larger folding saw with a more comfortable handle is better for that. Finally, those who dislike needing tools for blade changes should consider alternatives like the Silky Gomboy or Fiskars folding saw, which offer tool-free replacement. But if that annoyance is acceptable, the Bahco is a fantastic performer.
Verdict
The Bahco 396-LAP Laplander is a very good folding pruning saw. It cuts faster and smoother than almost any other saw in its size class. The blade lock is rock solid, and it is incredibly portable. However, it is not perfect: the handle is too large for small hands, and the blade replacement system is outdated. An update with a tool-free mechanism or stored wrench would be welcome. Despite these flaws, it is a reliable, compact pruning saw for occasional to moderate use, especially for those with average or larger hands.
If you are looking for a reliable, compact pruning saw and have average or larger hands, the Bahco 396-LAP will not disappoint. If you have small hands or need tool-free blade changes, consider a different model. For most, the pros outweigh the cons.
- Pros: Compact and easy to carry, Smooth and fast cuts, Secure blade lock
- Cons: Handle can feel bulky in small hands, Blade replacement requires a Torx tool
