Napoleon said “la pointe, la pointe”, was the key to sword play. He instructed his forces to use a jabing, penetrating stroke. So they went to straight blade weapons versus the curved saber. It was much more effective, and easier to pierce the body of the enemy with a straight jab than with a hacking swing to lop off an arm or leg. Once the body is pierced through the torso, they are unable to continue the battle.
***He instructed his forces to use a jabbing, penetrating stroke.***
I believe the English later went to a straight blade for thrusting, but by that time charges on horseback were obsolete.