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All the pieces of the SwordSeat™ are marked with a different number of drilled holes, one to six, to help you identify each piece. With a bit of practice we can put it all together in under a minute.

For each Sword Seat™ you will need:

  • The six wooden parts
  • Two ratchet straps
  • One cushion (18” x 16” fits nicely)
  • The alignment board to help you position them correctly.
https://www.britishfencing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/VID-20240808-WA0001.mp4
Piece 1 of the Sword Seat
Balance the foundation piece (01) on it’s wider edge.
Piece 1 and 2 of the Sword Seat set together
Insert one of the legs (02) in an outermost slot.
Piece 1, 2 and 3 of the Sword Seat set together
Insert the other leg (03) in the opposite outermost slot, facing the same way. The sharp corner is the seat’s back and the blunt corner is the front.
Piece 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the Sword Seat set together in the right handed configuration
Insert the handle (04) in either of the middle slots, depending on right or left handed fencer. The vertical slot should be at the back.
Piece 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the Sword Seat set together in the left handed configuration
NOTE: A right handed fencer has the handle on the left, and a left handed fencer has it on the right.
Piece 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the Sword Seat set together
Insert the seat (05) through the handle and onto the top of the legs. It doesn’t matter if right or left handed.
Piece 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Sword Seat set together in the right handed configuration
Slot in the backrest (06) into the handle and the seat.

ADDING STRAPS

Two ratchet straps must be used to hold the whole thing together when fencing. Although this takes another couple minutes to do each time, it makes a big difference to the stability of the seat and when pulled tight it means any looser fitting parts (if cut yourself) will be pulled tight and won’t move when in use.

Don’t worry that the straps are not flush on the seat, once you’ve added a cushion, you won’t notice them.

Close up of the strapping system from the front
We usually start with the front to back strap, ensuring the ratchet mechanism is out the way underneath.
Close up of the two straps crossing on the seat.
Then add the left to right strap.
Close up of the strapping system from the side
For both straps we’ve tried to add guiding holes and indents so you know where to put them.

Disclaimer – “The SwordSeat™ is a chair for community use as part of the development of a seated fencer.   The chair is designed and intended for use only as specified below.  

  1. Use must be restricted to club or recreational fencing
  2. The chair must be manufactured and assembled to the BF SwordSeat specification without any deviation.
  3. Use of the chair must be risk assessed individually for each participant by a coach who is BF registered and has a valid BF SwordSeat™ certification and who is satisfied that the chair is safe for the participant to use and who supervises use of the chair.
  4. Participants have declared to the supervising coach all relevant injuries and disabilities prior to use.

The chair is safe to use only if the above requirements are met.

Manufacturing of SwordSeat™ – Manufacturing of the chair must be undertaken by professionals in strict accordance with the published design.

Assembly- Please ensure that you follow all safety precautions and use appropriate tools during assembly. If you are unsure of your ability to assemble this furniture safely, we recommend professional assistance.

The chair may be used only if the above requirements are met.

By assembling this furniture, you agree that you are solely responsible for its assembly and use. British Fencing provide assembly instructions as a guide, and do not accept any liability for errors in assembly or any resulting injury or damage.  BF excludes (so far as is it is able) any liability (including liability for negligence) arising from the manufacture or use of the chair (including where the chair is not manufactured or used as required above).”

Last updated 1 Nov 2025