Question about cutting Baltic birch ply

Hi everyone - sorry, not sure If this question should go here or in tools. I’ve been making board cut frames out of 3/4” Baltic birch ply, and they come out pretty decent and usable, however I’m trying to do a better job and up my making game since there are so many beautiful pieces on here. I use either a blade runner or a handheld jig saw, and the Baltic birch is so tough, that when I cut curves its very difficult and actually starts scorching the wood black a little. It’s just the very outer layer of wood and is easy to sand off, but I’m wondering if there’s any easier way to cut, if this is normal/abnormal, or if I just can’t use jigsaws on this wood. I’ve tried several different types of blades, but maybe haven’t found the right one? Thanks.