The workpiece is marked up, and the shape of the hammer head meticulously filed out by hand. The wooden handle is similarly prepared from raw stock with a combination of planes, chisels and files.

If you’re looking for a hammer, here’s everything you need to know along with some of our favorite product recommendations.

Hammers are some of the most basic tools on the market, both in terms of their construction and how they're used. Comprised typically of a metal or wood handle and a metal head, you simply grab ...