Well, I used to use a 24oz California framer for 3-4 years. It was nice for driving nails that were below your shoulders, but anything above your head or in front of your face can turn your arm into a cocked noodle. You learn how to use both hands pretty quick, giving your dominant hand a rest. That hammer is also a beast while on your pouch. The handle's so long it hits your leg all day, gets caught in truss webs, and is awkward just crouching down. Also, with a pouch full of nails and tools the 24oz head makes the weight even worse.
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My current hammer is a 20oz Japanese made framing hammer, but is more of an all round hammer that's good for everything. It has a fiberglass handle and a very sharp hook claw, which is better suited for pulling nails than a straight claw. Also, when your entire crew has these hammers, you just yell at your buddy for his hammer and it can immediately be turned into a cats paw (nail puller.) It does have a smaller striking face, but I've become use to it and I believe I am now a nail head sniper. :) I've been using this hammer for the past 7 years and really like it, but wish I had more when I'm driving framing spikes.
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Now, let's talk about the Titanium hammer.
I've used my buddies 14oz Hickory handled Stiletto all day while framming, and for some reason it hits hard. The main key feature of Titanium is that it has ten times the recoil shock absorption of typical hammer steel. I've read that with steel framing hammers, up to 30% of the users kinetic swing speed can be lost due to recoil vibration. There are a lot of long term injuries that occur using heavy steel hammers, over the course of many years. Carpal tunnel being the most common. The lighter head allows you to generate more head speed, and with the more efficient recoil transfer that Titanium has, they are able to drive nails better than regular steel hammers.
After all this being said, the key is to just try one or ask someone who has used both for a number of years. I'm sure there's still guys out there that still love their steel hammers, but most that have tried Titanium, stay with the titanium.
Here's something cool that kinda ties this into razor collecting. The Douglas company has ceased production of their steel hammers just a few years back. The prices of those used hammers are starting to climb, because they were such a well made hammer. People are starting to snatch them up on ebay just like razors. All these new companies replicate the ''Douglas'' pattern head. They even have NOS hammers floating around now. I'm now on the search for mine. :)
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sorry for the long post.....