New blade burning not cutting.

[KenMac]

Now that would be very awkward. Teeth cut on the forward or push stroke (for me).

I thought the same thing until I tried it. It works well for me. Kinda like the Japanese style hand saws are becoming much more prevalent in woodworking circles nowadays and they all cut on the pull stroke.

[Old Greenhorn]

I have met more than a couple of fine wood workers who flip their handsaws around and pull them by the blade for careful cuts. They say it gives them finer control. I've done it once or twice.

[rusticretreater]

The Japanese saws have a different tooth profile of course.  I use one to separate turnings on the lathe.  It is a better, smoother cut but not great for all wood types.