I just started looking into saw. Quite a bit of information on hand saws, so many different types, tenon, dovetail, carcase, sash, and panel saw. You have rip and crosscut, the number of teeth.. And these are just the western saws... ahh young grasshopper, you have much to learn.

For a good explanation, here is a great article off of Popular Woodworking:
Popular Woodworking - Understanding Western Backsaws

Have you thought about a Japanese saw? I've always had problems with hand saws until I tried a Japanese saw. It's now my main saw.

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Steve Adams, Qwas Products