First hammer for forging was a $10.00 harbor freight 2.5 pound cross pein. I have a couple other small hammers for when I don't need to wail on something, and just bought a Nordic Forge Rounding hammer, 2 pounder, and spend the morning hand filing and sanding it down to a near mirror finish to remove the bevels. If I get enough (make enough as I get better) I will order a hand forged hammer, but I do agree with the experienced that, other than making sure you don't get too much hammer and find a handle that works are the biggest things.