I know is sounds like you don't have access to trees, but worth considering this type of mallet/commander. Here I use it to knock off some French Snaps. I cut about ten from the top of a spruce tree. Handle ready, just shaved the bark of and sawed a flat on the head so it would set nicely with the handle sticking up. These can be made smaller for joinery. They are about 5 years old now, dried out and cracked, we have busted most up my now with heavy use. The next batch will feature a metal band around both ends to keep them whole.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDyLQuBgLRA