Dogyu Carpenter's Hammer from Japan is a uniquely balanced quality tool-available in both smooth and waffle face. Give it a try, and you will not want to go back to your old style hammer.
Magnetic version will hold a nail in a starting position, and with only one swing the nail is ready to drive home in the usual way!
CA Prop 65 WARNING: Drilling, sawing, sanding or machining wood products can expose you to wood dust, a substance know to the State of California to cause cancer. Avoid inhaling wood dust or use dust mask or other safeguards for personal protection.