Bill

I forgot to mention, I have a Marples carpenter mallet that I've used
heavily for five years or more. The edges have some chips, but has
held up well. I think it's beech. LN uses hornbeam for their mortising
chisels. I own the 1/2" wide one, and it's held up even better than
the mallet. No chips or cracks.

I'd have it stick out more than 1/4". The wood gets compressed after
use and 1/4" will turn into 1/8" or less. You don't want to dent the
brass with a poorly aimed blow.

Thanks,
Chris