The knights also seem to have a couple of people of shorter stature on a rope leash. The crown makes me think king. And the random livestock makes me think that picture *might* be an after-battle spoils of war processional of sorts. They don't seem to be actively fighting.
The second picture, I'm not quite as sure. But remember artwork isn't an exact science. One guy had his helmet and skull split open, and this simple doesn't happen with swords.
And back to the original question; what were you cutting against where the sword did and did not cut? That's important.
Having the fabric laid out and trying to draw cuts on it :Didn't work.
Having It on a cardboard pole, and harder swung draw cuts. Cut pretty easily (don't worry I know paper and cardboard are bad for the edge. It was just for a test)
I think I was just fooled because I thought it would be cutting like a beast.