I dropped mine a couple of times when I was taking pics and it was just fine. That's one of the reasons that I wanted to use "Peg" assembly for any high-stress areas. I wouldn't throw it off a building or anything but even then it may be fine depending on how it landed. If I can get a camera up and running I plan on doing some smashing in my backyard (melons, milk jugs, etc.). The only tradeoff is weight vs. durability. I have no doubt that I could build one that could be repeatedly used in a fairly brutal manner - the only problem is that the weight would go up.
My prototype is a good 3-5 pounds heavier than the finished kit and I took the weight off of non-critical areas that don't affect the functional strength of the completed hammer. Final assembly has something to do with it as well - more epoxy/glue/etc. applied properly will yield a stronger end result...
I fully plan on trooping with mine and I hope to see others doing the same!
(I like "Smashy" as well - something like "Smashy the Smashinator")
It could be named anythig you want... as long as you put "mister" in from of the name you choose... because you got to admit, you need to call the person wielding this MISTER!!!