Is the Lie-Nielsen dovetail saw worth the upgrade?

It’s a very capable saw, and its thin, tapered plate makes it a reasonable choice if you want a Western-style dovetail saw you can keep using for years. But a premium saw won’t automatically fix drifting cuts or awkward starts. If the cost is comfortable and you like the feel of a push saw, it can be a worthwhile buy. If it’s a stretch, keep practicing with what you have first.

I’d treat this as a preference question, not a required upgrade. Some people find a pull saw easier to start, while others prefer the extra stiffness of a backed Western saw, especially when they want to correct a cut that has wandered. Either style can cut good dovetails. Work on stance, sighting the line, and leaving a little material for a chisel to clean up before blaming the tool.

Before spending that much, try to handle a few saws if you can. The Lie-Nielsen, a Veritas, and a backed Japanese saw can all be sensible options, but the grip, starting feel, and kerf may suit you differently. If you already like your Japanese saw apart from its handle, a different handle or simply more practice could be a cheaper next step.