lori

In case you meant width rather than thickness, it measures about 7/8 of an inch at its widest.

It is incredibly difficult to photograph straight at the point! This is the best I could do…. the blade at its thickest measures about 5.5 mm thick. I have also included a pic of the markings on the small knife (I was not aware that it was removable from the scabbard) An opinion has also been given to the fact that the scabbard and knife appear to be a "marriage" due to the different lengths.

overall blade without fittings:

My thanks to all have answered so far. There are several questions remaining however. Does the blade appear to be of the same age/era as the other parts? Does the fact the blade is not signed make it less important? Can anyone decipher/translate the writing on the tsuba? What era would this have been crafted in? Again, Thank you for your replies.

Thank you. I have taken additional pics of what you call the "nakago" since learning what it might mean. and the inside of the handle. Also, would anyone know the name of the technique of the gold of what I think is called the "habaki"?

Thank you John and Brian. Here are some pics of the blade; hopefully they are what is needed. I also have a pic of what I saw as a "crack" or "fold" in the steel.

I apologize if this is not the correct category for this post. I also apologize if I use the incorrect name for any parts. I recently acquired a knife/sword which I am in disagreement with another family member as to the relative worth of it. I believe it to be very good while he believes it to be an inexpensive souvenir. I hope someone here can shed some light on this. The entire sword/knife measures about 21 inches long. The "scabbard" alone measures about 15.5 inches while the hilt measures about 5.5 inches. When out of the scabbard the blade measures about q0 inches long and when the handle is removed it measures about 14 inches. The are no markings that I can see on the "tang". The "sepia" (collars) are gold over what appears to be bronze, as is the "habaki" (any gold over the bronze parts test as AT LEAST 14karat, possibly 16 karat gold. The "kashira" are two turtles (copulating?) The "tsuba" appear to be bronze inlaid with gold and both sides are signed. The blade is extremely sharp but upon examination under a loupe there appeared to be a weakly formed "crack" or "fold" in the steel; not at all what I would expect from a finely forged blade. The scabbard is wood with an outer surface which at first glance looks to be alternating strips of a plastic material, but I am now thinking this material could be lacquer. If additional pictures are needed, I would gladly add them. I thank all in advance for any and all help given. Lori

Thank you. That is so much more than I knew before. Would anyone have ideas on relative value? Lori

I have just inherited an old sword and am hoping some one can tell me more about it. My nephew helped take it apart and I will upload the pictures. It has writing on both sides of the blade under the handle. You help is greatly appreciated.