SatanicusLupis

I have a few hundred dollars at my disposal. I have been thinking about contructing a pair of functional "wolverine claws".

I haven't really analyzed it but this is what i've already figured out.

i'll make a reinforced wrist bracer (so my wrist will not be able to move individually from my forearm [so i don't break it trying to test out the functionability]). I would like to make the claws use a "out the front automatic knife" setup (spring loaded). Unforunately, i cannot find a good diagram or explanation of how these knives work. i have a few, but i am not willing to destroy them to find out (they are all quite expensive).

so, really what i am asking is :

-can anyone tell me how to make the release mechanism?
-can anyone recomend what grade of steel or other metal to use?
-safety hazards?
-errors in my thinking (i know the whole idea of making claws is pretty stupid, but i'd feel quite accomplished if i could actually do it).
-a price estimate (if possible).

REMEMBER: i want these to be FUNCTIONAL, not just movie props.

thank you and goodnight.