This bokken has a slightly wider blade, but the two are quite similar. This one would probably be better suited to taking contact (although for real contact I would recommend oak: wp-ke-06

A scabbard is a wood sleeve (essentially) that you keep the sword in when it is not in use. The Japanese refer to it as Saya (say-yah).

The scabbard protects the sword and allows you to carry it around safely.

Most iaito and shinken swords possess something called a Kurigata, which is a small knob on the outside of the scabbard (or saya). Attached to the kurigata is a robe called a sageo. The kurigata stops the saya from slipping through the belt, while tying the sageo helps ensure you don't lose it during maneuvers.

This particular bokken does not contain those things as it is more for storage and practice, therefore you will have a more difficult time keeping it in place during physical activity.