Victorian (and many modern) copies tended to be heavier, less flexible than actual period swords. And period swords were mostly hand made, and there was no attempt at perfection, they had cosmetic flaws we do not accept in our 'modern' machine world. They were made to be functional.
There are a few fairly recent videos on YouTube by well known swordsmiths and dealers regarding thrusting thru mail, and the swords were surprisingly flexed. Late period swords were not really made for penetrating armour, but for use against lesser men at arms without steel armour.
Skallagrim