Starting a Saw Cut

The front of the saw blade has the points of all the tiny teeth so there is not much metal to bite into the cut. Using an up stroke from front on will make it easier as the slanted side of the points are in contact with the metal and it is less likely to slide than a down stroke.

Better still, if you turn your saw blade a little to the side you can bite into the line with the thicker part of the cutting blade and make a small nick that will guide the blade into the metal rather than sliding across it.

Turn your blade 30-45 degrees for the nick then straighten and continue sawing. It just becomes a part of the first saw stroke. You can cut the nick on the up or down stroke. If you don't have good control of your saw blade going up has less resistance and will be easier.