I have a well-beaten rawhide mallet that came with a box of old tools
I bought in an auction. This ugly mallet became my favorite
mallet--just the right size, weight, and non-marring. For heavier
stuff, I have a dead-blow shot-filled mallet. Most often I just use
hand pressure with a chisel--if that doesn't work chances are it's
time to do some sharpening.