I read how to prepare a new hammer for use. I use the method of soaking in boiling water and then grating it. I accidentally used the metal teeth of a giant pipe wrench to tap on it so I could sit and watch TV while I did it (got my family crazy, but oh well). It softened enough not to damage my jewelry metal and removed the hard resin that is too hard and sharp. The second size is a good weight and fits me on a ring mandrel. I expect this to last a very long time - or outlive me.