I've owned this ice cream spade for 10 years and during that time developed some serious arthritis in my hands. But this tool continues to serve me well, is comfortable to use, responds well to hot water (for dipping rock hard ice cream) and the handle holds up nicely. But recently a house guest slipped it into the dishwasher and it came out dull and gray...so I am ordering a new one! I am sure I got my money's worth out of the first one and I like an updated kitchen full of top-notch utensils--this one fills that bill! just make sure you hand wash it...