1.   Always start a cut with a back pull, never with a push stroke.

2.   If one is accustomed to using larger saws that cut on the push stroke, then one is likely to be more comfortable with the back saw.

3.   The back saw has to be stiff and heavy, or the blade would bend and cramp on the push stroke.

4.   The file only cuts on the push stroke, so lift it off on the return stroke.