This is a good little hammer but I expected more from a hammer made by and for Japanese artisans. It weighs approximately 14 ounces and has a beautiful, typically Japanese, minimalist design and look. One side is slightly convex and the other flat. I noticed a few unexpected flaws. First, the neck of the handle is rectangular and almost unfinished. As a result, the edges are actually quite sharp. There's nothing sandpaper can't do. Maybe that's on purpose? Second, the head is not in the center of the handle. I thought it looked a little different so I measured. One end of the head is about 1/8 inch shorter than the other. I've always understood that Japanese artisans are minimalist but sophisticated, so it doesn't quite fit that scheme. The hammer has been found to be in good condition and will last a lifetime if properly cared for.