Cleaning it's easy-you just have to do it right after using it. I learned that the hard way: once I left spackle on the blade overnight, and the next day it was like concrete. I had to scrape it with a screwdriver, and I almost ruined the blade. Now I never skip cleaning.
First, I grab a paper towel and wipe the blade off-just one direction, from the base to the tip. Gets most of the wet spackle or paint off. Then I run the blade under warm water-hot water makes some paints harden, so warm's better. I use a soft sponge to scrub any leftover bits. If there's something stuck, I put a drop of dish soap on the sponge-just a drop, though. Too much soap leaves residue, and next time you use it, spackle slides right off.
For the handle, I just wipe it with a damp cloth. Don't soak it-once I got the handle too wet, and it felt sticky for a week. So just a quick wipe, then dry with a towel. Then I dry the blade all the way-if you put it away wet, it rusts. I keep mine in a drawer with a soft cloth, so the blade doesn't get nicked.
Every few months, I check the blade for small nicks. If there's one, I use a small file to smooth it out-takes 2 minutes. That way, when I smooth spackle, it still gives a clean finish. I've had my knife for over a year now, and it still works like the day I bought it. Just a little cleaning, and it lasts.
