Meat Tenderizer with 48 Stainless Steel Ultra Sharp Needle Blades, Kitchen Cooking Tool Best For Tenderizing, BBQ, Marinade by JY COOKMENT

Q: is the handle hollow? Will water collect in the handle which could form mold?

The handle is hollow, but substantial and well made. I have soaked the cutting mechanism during cleaning, but really there is no need for the handle to be in the soapy water. Don't think water getting into the handle will be an issue.

Q: After purchase it cleaning the interior blades seems difficult, do you have a way I don't see?

For me, all I do to clean it is put it in the top rack of my dishwasher. It's simple!

Q: how do you remove the plastic black guard ?

You should not since it protects your fingers. That is what guards are about. The blades are pretty sharp and discontinuation sin the thickness of the meat can make the set of blades bend and pinch you without the guard.