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Like new Barry King 48oz mallet! There are a few scuffs on the brass nut, otherwise very little use to the nylon head. Carefully-crafted mallet is a true work of art. Durable nylon head stands up to heavy-duty use. Contoured handle offers extra cushioning and is comfortable in the hand.

I've been using a 16oz. rubber mallet from Lowe's ever since I started working with leather, about two years ago now. I use it for everything: tooling, setting rivets and snaps, driving punches and chisels, you name it. It's the only hammer I've ever used for leather. It's starting to wear out and I've been thinking about replacing it. Now, this hammer cost about $4 and has lasted me for years (I've only been using it for leather for 2 years, but I've probably had it for 5 or 6 now) and that's a strong argument in favor of getting another one just like it. But copper and tubular rivets, and some of the heavier snaps, take forever to set with the thing. So I'm starting to wonder: Would a heavier hammer might be more suitable to the task? Also: would a rawhide or poly striking tool have less bounce, and would that make a difference? I'd rather not buy several expensive tools if I can avoid it, so is there One Hammer to Rule Them All out there? A leatherworker's Mjolnir that's just great, or even pretty good, overall for All The Jobs? (If it comes right down to it, I'll buy two hammers, one for These Jobs and one for Those Jobs, but I'd rather avoid having to build a whole rack for a hammer collection, is what I'm getting at.) Thanks in advance for answering what is probably a dumb question.

I was just wondering what weight mauls do you prefer to use?

After a long absence, and I mean a long absence, I have returned to the craft and need to ask some questions concerning basic tools I should purchase and I hope you all will bear with me. The first question concerns which mallet to select by head material, shape and weight. Those many years ago I had a rawhide mallet that seemed to serve me well but on studying Springfield Leather's online store, saw their ad here so decided I would start with them as a supporter of the forum, I discovered a number of possible choices. I like the shape of the Barry King Maul but for starters I may select something a little less expensive in the rawhide or poly head. I see that some of these can be selected by weight and there I don't have a clue. There seems to be more selection today than in my yester year. I sure would appreciate any suggestions or thoughts you all may wish to share. Thanks, Pat P.S. What brought me back happen in this last year and is the fault on one T.C. Albert and his book "Recreating the 18th Century Hunting Pouch". I followed his step by step to make a replica of Albert's North Hampton pouch . That really got the fires started again. My icon is a photo of my finished pouch. Fun!

I am having a hard time deciding on what hammer to buy. In the past I have used a heavy rubber mallet for my general stamping. The 'bounce' didn't bother me. Since then I've recently been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and the weight of it alone tends to kill my hand pretty quickly. I've tried the yellow polymer hammer and found it extremely light and my scrawny arms didn't provide any help. The rawhide one was somewhat in that same catagory..and since I am trying to buy an entire shops worth of tools, i would rather not be spending that kind of money on a rawhide or maul. The last thing i used was a newer and smaller/lightweight rubber mallet which seemed to work ok...only because the big one was getting old and falling apart lol. This is the last thing on my list I need to open my shop back up (*crosses fingers*). What do you use or recommend? I was planning on just getting a 16oz rubber mallet off ebay...with a steel handle (instead of wooden). I have no idea if the 16oz is the same as what i had before or not. Thanks