A hammer includes a handle and a head. The head is disposed on an upper portion of the handle. The hammer includes an overall length dimension. A ratio of the overall length dimension to the surface area of the striking surface of the head is less than 11.0. The head also includes a striking surface at one end thereof and a head weight. The head may be integrally formed with the upper portion of the handle, wherein a ratio of the head weight to the surface area of the striking surface of the head is less than 16.25. The head may alternatively be mounted on the upper portion of the handle, wherein a ratio of the head weight to the surface area of the striking surface of the head is less than 14.0. The head can have a ratio of radial measurements that is less than 1.0.