When I first started doing remodeling work, I just picked up a cheap fiberglass hammer at home depot.  Later, after getting more into it I upgraded to an Estwing 20 oz hammer and let me tell you what a world of a difference it was.  This hammer is balanced beautifully, the grip is comfortable and absorbs a good amount of shock, and the appearance of the hammer is very nice as well.  My dad owns an Estwing hammer he had for many years and it still functions like new.  Now, after driving many thousands of nails, my hammer is also still going strong.  Many manufactures such as Kobalt, Bostich, Craftsman and various others have tried to copy the Estwing design and let me tell you, Estwing is still my favorite by far.  If you are looking for an all-steel framing hammer, there is no other hammer on the market that I have seen or used that I like better - at any price.  As long as you don't abuse it, it should last a lifetime.  I liked it so much that I began purchasing several other models, and have recommended them friends and family.  As long as their quality does not change for the worse in the future, Eswing can expect more purchases from me.  Highly recommended.