Abstract: A hammer including an elongate hammer head mounted orthogonally to a handle. The hammer head includes an impact head, wherein the impact head is defined by an impact face that defines an acute angle relative to the elongate handle axis of substantially 8 to 11.5 degrees to minimize strain and deflection upon an individual impacting a nail in use of the hammer. The impact face includes a semi-spherical recess to receive the nail and minimize deflection of various portions of the nail that may be fractured upon impact. A modification of the invention includes deformable inserts mounted within the semi-spherical recess for minimizing abrasion to various upholstery nails and the like upon impact.