So far, after a few weeks of use in stamping, punching and sewing, the surface of the head is holding up well, no deep deformation or chipping. This hammer is good for punching holes and sewing chisels/chisels and I had to push hard and hit hard especially when punching holes in the thicker 8/9 oz leather. too much hassle so I buy a heavier hammer just for punching holes. Stamp. So don't think of it as a general purpose hammer. I can see where that 11 ounce hammer is. will be one of the 3 weights I would keep and the other 2 weigh 16 ounces. and 20 oz or 24 oz.