This hammer is not designed for heavy use. It's meant to be a lightweight hammer for light tasks, and it certainly excels at it. It's true that there is a trade-off between weight and durability. Because it is a lightweight hammer, it cannot withstand even the strongest impact. However, if you just need to drive in a few nails and don't want to carry around a heavier hammer for such a simple task, this is the perfect tool for you. In its intended use, the grip seems more than strong enough. It feels good in the hand and the head feels well made.