How can I take this kitchen faucet apart?
You can try one of those round rubber jar opener and if that doesn't work, go to your Harbor Tool store and purchase a rubber strap wrench.  At Harbor, it is sold as a set of three and relatively inexpensive.  Use the one that fits.  Also, try spraying some WD-40 penetrating oil at the base so it loosens the thread (don't get any on the upper part; only the base). The rubber strap wrench won't damage the finish.  This worked for me.