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. Staple chisel/chisel 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.