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Bahco Laplander
#2 — Best Overall Camp Saw

Bahco Laplander Review (2026)

The bushcraft-forum favorite that earns its reputation on price and durability alike

★★★★☆
9.6/10
Reviewed by William • Updated July 2026 $26

The Laplander has become close to a default recommendation in online bushcraft and backpacking communities, and the reasons are unglamorous but solid: heavy-gauge steel, hardened teeth that resist dulling under normal use, and a locking mechanism that holds the blade securely both open and closed. Bahco's anti-rust coating also reduces friction during the cut, which matters more than it sounds — a saw that binds mid-stroke wastes energy and wears out faster.

TrailCraft Score

What Works

  • Heavy-gauge steel and hardened XT teeth hold an edge without ever needing sharpening for most owners
  • Locks securely in both open and closed positions
  • One of the best-reviewed folding saws at any price, with a wide base of long-term owner testimonials

Limitations

  • Handle is comfortable but not rubber-armored like premium Japanese saws
  • Included lanyard is a low point in an otherwise well-built package

Specifications

Blade Length7.5" (190mm)
Teeth7 TPI, XT hard-point toothing
HandleTwo-component plastic, ergonomic
Folded Length9" (23cm)
Country of OriginSweden
LockLocks open and closed

Score Breakdown

Cutting Speed
9.5
Durability
9.7
Ergonomics
9.4
Value
9.8

What Sets It Apart

The Laplander has become close to a default recommendation in online bushcraft and backpacking communities, and the reasons are unglamorous but solid: heavy-gauge steel, hardened teeth that resist dulling under normal use, and a locking mechanism that holds the blade securely both open and closed. Bahco's anti-rust coating also reduces friction during the cut, which matters more than it sounds — a saw that binds mid-stroke wastes energy and wears out faster.

At 7.1 ounces for a 7.5-inch blade, it strikes a middle ground between the ultralight Pocketboy and heavier bow-style saws: enough cut capacity for legitimate firewood processing, still light enough that most backpackers don't think twice about the extra weight.

The bushcraft-forum favorite that earns its reputation on price and durability alike

Who This Is For

The Laplander is right for: backpackers who want one saw that handles both kindling and firewood-diameter branches, first-time buyers who want the safest default recommendation, and anyone prioritizing proven long-term durability over ultralight weight.

A note on pricing and links: Prices are current as of July 2026. Some links are affiliate links.

How It Compares

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Common Questions

How does the Bahco Laplander compare to Japanese pull saws like the Silky Pocketboy?
The Laplander cuts on the push stroke rather than the pull, which most Western users find more intuitive, and its heavier-gauge steel is more forgiving of rough handling. Silky saws generally cut faster stroke-for-stroke but use thinner, more precision-oriented blades.
Does the Bahco Laplander need sharpening?
The hardened teeth are not designed to be manually resharpened — like most modern folding saws, the blade is intended to be replaced once it dulls significantly, which for most users takes years of regular use.
What size wood can the Laplander cut?
Its 7.5-inch blade comfortably handles branches and small logs up to roughly 5-6 inches in diameter in a reasonable number of strokes; anything larger becomes slow going with a saw this size.