I'll try it. I have the wood, not the plastic, rubber, nor hide hammer, although I used to own the latter.
I got mine off gently with a wood chisel. Keep the blade as flat to the mating surface as possible and don't gouge the surface. Fill the open crankcase cavity with rags to catch the debris. Take your time.
Use good quality putty knife carefully and then scotchbrite or something. If you don't mind spending extra, there are several gasket remover aids like this: http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/search/Gasket+Removers/N2363/C1984.oap?keyword=gasket+remover
A semi sharp single sided razor blade at about 30* to the surface or in a drag back motion straight up. In a blade scraper type holder is better. Can use chlorinated brake cleaner to soften. That's why I always permatex the gasket to the cover and then apply a very thin coating of grease to the mating side of the gasket. A lot better chance not leaving gasket on the engine vs the cover next time taking off. Which is easier to clean.
What is the mating side of the gasket Mr Grey? I think I remember one side had writing and the other didn't, and there is only one way to install the clutch gasket. I do like the idea of a coating of grease on one face so that the gasket comes away in one piece next time.
He just means the side of the gasket that touches the engine case. It would be siliconed to the clutch cover, but have a grease film to prevent it from sticking to the case. I wish Honda had done this or at least greased both sides of it. Or even better yet, used a nitrile seal or the like. My gasket is stuck un like someone epoxied it. Massive PITA to remove!