Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw Review

Introduction: Why I Picked Up the Bahco 396-LAP

Let me be upfront: I have tested dozens of pruning saws over the years, from cheap folding models to high-end fixed-blade Japanese pull saws. But 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. I needed a compact saw for clearing overgrown blackberry canes, cutting back dead apple branches, and occasionally dealing with fallen limbs after a storm. I wanted something that would not take up much space in my tool bag but could handle real cutting work. So I bought the Bahco 396-LAP with my own money and used it hard for three months. Here is my honest, hands-on review.

How I Tested It

I did not run this saw through a lab. I took it into my own yard and a friend’s overgrown property. I focused on the kinds of cuts that matter to a gardener: green wood, dead wood, and some semi-seasoned branches. I used it on apple, oak, birch, and a tangle of invasive honeysuckle. I also brought it along on a weekend camping trip to test it on firewood processing. I timed cuts, checked for binding, and paid close attention to how the handle felt after 30 minutes of continuous use. I also deliberately left it in my truck bed for a week to see how the coating and blade held up to moisture and temperature swings. Finally, I tested the lock mechanism hundreds of times to see if it would wear out or loosen.

Performance: Smooth, Fast, and Surprisingly Aggressive

Cutting Speed and Quality

The first thing I noticed was how fast this saw chews through wood. The 7.5-inch blade has a unique tooth pattern that Bahco calls “XT toothing.” It is a combination of large, aggressive teeth and smaller, finer teeth. The big teeth rip through the wood on the pull stroke, while the smaller teeth clear the sawdust. On a 3-inch green apple branch, I cut through in under 10 seconds with three full strokes. That is fast. On dead, dry oak, it took about 15 seconds for a similar thickness. The cuts were clean, with minimal tearing of the bark. The blade did not bind or jump, even when I cut at awkward angles. I was genuinely impressed by how little effort it required. You let the saw do the work.

Compact and Easy to Carry

This is where the Laplander shines. Folded, it is about 9 inches long and weighs less than a pound. I slipped it into the side pocket of my gardening apron, and I forgot it was there. I also clipped it to my belt loop using the included nylon sheath. It did not flop around or dig into my 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 you need for water or snacks. I took it on a hike and used it to clear a fallen branch across a trail. It was effortless to deploy and put away.

Secure Blade Lock

The locking mechanism is a simple twist-lock that engages the blade in the open position. It is not a button or a sliding latch. You twist the collar at the hinge, and it locks the blade rigid. I tested this by trying to force the blade closed while cutting. It did not budge. Even when I put my full body weight on a cut, the lock held. This is a critical safety feature. A folding saw that collapses mid-cut can cause a nasty injury. The Bahco lock is confidence-inspiring. It also locks the blade in the closed position, so it stays 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. It has a textured surface that helps you hold on. However, and this is a significant caveat, the handle is bulky. It is shaped to fill a large hand. I have medium-sized hands, and I could grip it comfortably. But I handed it to my wife, who has smaller hands, and she struggled. Her fingers could not wrap fully around the handle, and she said it felt clumsy. She also noted that the handle’s shape forced her wrist into an awkward angle when cutting low to the ground. If you have small hands, you should try this saw in person before buying. It might not be comfortable for you.

Blade Replacement Requires a Tool

Here is my biggest complaint. To replace the blade, you need a Torx T20 driver. There is no tool stored on the saw itself. This is a major oversight for a tool designed for outdoor use. If you break a blade in the field, you are out of luck unless you have the specific bit with you. I carry a multi-tool with a Torx bit, but not everyone does. Many competing folding saws allow tool-free blade changes. Bahco should include a small wrench that clips to the sheath or the saw body. As it is, you need to plan ahead. For most gardeners, this is not a daily issue because the blade lasts a long time. But it is a frustration if you are in the middle of a big pruning job and the blade dulls.

Durability and Materials

The blade is made from Swedish steel with a rust-resistant coating. After leaving it in my damp truck bed for a week, I saw no rust. The coating held up well. The handle did not crack or warp. The hinge pin is solid steel. I have no concerns about this saw falling apart under normal use. The included nylon sheath is basic but functional. It has a belt loop and a snap closure. It is not heavy duty, but it protects the blade and keeps the saw secure. For the price point, which is in the mid-range for folding pruning saws, the build quality is good. It is not a premium tool, but it is not cheaply made either.

Who Should Buy the Bahco 396-LAP

I would recommend this saw to several types of people. First, anyone who needs a compact, portable saw for on-the-go pruning. If you have a large property or do trail maintenance, this is a great choice. Second, hikers and campers who need a reliable saw for cutting firewood or clearing trails. The light weight and secure lock make it a safe option for backpacking. 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, I would caution people with small hands to try it first. The bulky handle can be a dealbreaker. I also would not recommend it for heavy-duty, all-day pruning where you need to make hundreds of cuts. For that, you are better off with a fixed-blade saw or a larger folding saw with a more comfortable handle. Finally, if you hate needing tools for blade changes, look elsewhere. The Silky Gomboy or the Fiskars folding saw offer tool-free replacement. But if you can live with that one annoyance, the Bahco is a fantastic performer.

My Verdict

After three months of hard use, I can say 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. It is incredibly portable. But it is not perfect. The handle is too large for small hands, and the blade replacement system is outdated. I wish Bahco would update the design to include a tool-free mechanism or at least a stored wrench. Despite these flaws, I reach for this saw more often than my other pruners. It is the one I grab when I walk out the door for a quick cut. It does the job without fuss.

If you are looking for a reliable, compact pruning saw for occasional to moderate use, and you have average or larger hands, buy the Bahco 396-LAP. You will not be disappointed. If you have small hands or need tool-free blade changes, consider a different model. But for me, the pros outweigh the cons. It is now a permanent part of my garden toolkit.

• 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