Re: Chain saber pics! I like both the sabres. For self-made that was a great job.
As far as retracting, well, my guess is that most places Blade will be attending too will be real unhappy if he takes a few heads off.
However, not sure about all the size but it seems something like a small windlass with a motor and button to activate might help reel it in. Presuning you even want to get that adventerous.
Re: Chain saber pics! Emma, Knight of Honour, I have given thought to a little bit of "Saber surgery" I know there are some Batman figures out there that have the built in bat line with a button that's both a lock and release. I've been brainstorming to see what would work best.
I'll do some research on the both of your ideas as well