For years I relied only on my camping axe for firewood. It’s a classic tool, but it’s not always the most efficient or the safest option, especially for smaller branches and kindling. I wanted something lighter and easier to control for camp chores. That’s how I came to the BAHCO Laplander folding saw. It’s a well-known name among outdoor people, and its compact design promised to deal with firewood without the bulk of an axe. I tested it on a recent trip to see if it lives up to its reputation.
What’s in the box
A lightweight folding saw for cutting green and dry wood, bone and plastic. It has a high-carbon steel blade with XT hardpoint teeth and a safety lock.
What we like
- Cuts green and dry wood well
- Very sharp XT hardpoint blade
- Extremely lightweight at 192 g
- Comfortable ergonomic handle
- Secure safety lock when folded
What we don’t
- No carry pouch included
- Not for large logs
- Blade can bind on push stroke
Quick Specs
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | BAHCO |
| Material | High-Carbon Steel BladePlastic Handle |
| Colour | Black |
| Weight | 192 g |
| Blade Length | 19 cm |
| Length | 40.5 cm |
| Folded length | 23 cm |
| Features | Folding designSafety lockRust protection |
First look
The moment I picked up the BAHCO Laplander, it felt like a proper tool. The black two-component handle has a slightly rubberised feel that gives a confident grip, and the whole saw feels solid. A button on the side of the handle locks the blade in the closed position, so it can’t open by accident in your pack.
When I unfolded the blade, it snapped into place with a satisfying click and the lock held it open. The blade has a clean, black finish, which is there to reduce friction. It doesn’t come with a carry pouch, but the leather strap for hanging it up is a nice touch. I was keen to try it on some real wood.
Materials & Build QualityMaterials & Build Quality
The heart of the Laplander is its high-carbon steel blade, a material known for holding a sharp edge and lasting well. The blade has XT hardpoint teeth, which are very sharp and aggressive for efficient cutting. It’s also coated to protect against rust and reduce friction, which helps it glide through wood. That matters most when you’re cutting green wood.
The handle is a two-component plastic. It’s comfortable and gives a non-slip grip, even when my hands were wet. The lock is simple but works very well and holds the blade firmly both open and closed. The build feels solid overall. I also like that spare blades are available, so I won’t have to buy a whole new saw if the blade wears out.
Ergonomics & WeightErgonomics & Weight
The BAHCO Laplander is a very light tool. At just 192 g it’s a lightweight alternative to an axe and easy to add to a camping or hiking kit. It folds down to a compact 230 mm, which slides into the side pocket of a backpack or a small gear bag. That makes it easy to keep on hand for quick jobs.
Unfolded to 405 mm, the saw gives good reach and leverage. The handle sits comfortably in my hand and the grip feels secure, which matters for safety. It’s well balanced and feels natural to use. It’s also easy to clean: a quick wipe with a cloth removes sawdust and sap.
Performance & FeaturesPerformance & Features
Cutting is where the Laplander does best. The aggressive XT hardpoint teeth get through both green and dry wood quickly. I tried it on a thick 5 cm branch and it went through with no trouble. The saw cuts on both the push and pull stroke, but I found the pull stroke works best. The coating on the blade does reduce friction, so it doesn’t bind or get stuck in the wood as easily as some other saws.
It’s made for wood, but it also handles plastic and bone, which makes it useful for other jobs outdoors. The safety lock keeps the blade secure while you work, so it can’t fold back on your fingers. It’s a very good saw for cutting kindling and small to medium-sized branches.
Vs our other folding saws
We’ve reviewed three other folding saws. The Workpro Folding Camp Saw is lighter and cheaper and scored highest, the Fiskars 7-Inch Pruning Saw has a curved grip and a lifetime warranty, and the Fiskars Folding Saw has the longest blade. The BAHCO is the toughest of the four.
This one BAHCO Laplander |  Fiskars 7-inch |  Fiskars Folding Saw |  Workpro Saw | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handle | Plastic | Curved, non-slip | Straight, SoftGrip | Rubberised grip |
| Blade lock | Safety lock | Open and folded | Open and folded | Open and closed |
| Blade | 190 mm | 180 mm | 250 mm | 180 mm |
| Weight | 192 g | 206 g | 210 g | 170 g |
| Price paid | $38 | $45 | $34 | $23 |
| Our score | 9.2 | 8.7 | 8.9 | 9.4 |
Conclusion: BAHCO 396-LAP Laplander Folding SawConclusion
The BAHCO Laplander folding saw is a very good piece of camp gear. It’s light and compact, which makes it a handy alternative to a heavier axe, and it cuts through wood easily. The lock holds the blade securely open and closed. It doesn’t come with a pouch or sheath, the blade can bind on the push stroke and it isn’t made for large logs. For cutting kindling and small to medium branches for a campfire, I recommend it.
A light folding saw that cuts well and is built to last.
At 192 g it's a handy alternative to a heavier axe: the very sharp blade cuts green and dry wood easily, and the lock holds it securely open and closed. There's no pouch, the blade can bind on the push stroke and it isn't made for large logs.
- Campers
- Hikers
- Bushcrafters
Yes. A very sharp, 192 g saw that cuts green and dry wood cleanly is safer and easier than a knife or axe for small jobs. There’s no pouch and it’s not for large logs.
