Safeguarding your crypto involves several key steps and doesn't end with just buying a cold wallet. It is, of course, the main part, but it also includes implementing robust security measures such as regularly updating passwords, using 2FA, and most importantly, having indestructible back ups. It's essential to back up your wallet information securely, ensuring that you have access to your recovery phrase and that it is protected in a durable way, ideally using metal plates and secure storage.

With the wild fires raging in California and Australia this week, we are once again reminded of the danger of storing seed phrases on paper, sitting a drawer at home... It's a wake-up call for anyone who's been using cold wallets but neglected their seed phrases. Honestly, if you're still doing this, you will be sorry one day. In fact, you can lose the device, it can break or malfunction or get stolen, but you will be able to recover your accounts to another device with your seed phrase. But losing that seed means you're losing everything. So make sure you safeguard your seed better than your cold wallet itself.
My preferred way to do this is by using several different metal plates, by four brands. There are many to choose from, but these are the ones that I use and I can recommend from my own experience.

KeyTag by Onekey

This is ideal for those who already use OneKey cold wallets and it can work for any seed phrases, but it's definitely easier if your wallet is by OneKey purely because it's quite cryptic and it can be quite a hassle to do it without the help of your device. I'll explain, but if you want something more simple though, the other 3 brands are going to be more to your taste.

KeyTag is on top of my list for 2 reasons: Design and Material.

Design:

It is ultra compact and very cryptic, meaning it is safe to carry around and even through airport security, as it will not be easy for anyone to decipher what's on it. Xray scan will not reveal any words that are on it because you only stamp dots on its grid and you need the accompanying guide (it's available online as well as in a booklet format). In other words, for anyone who might have a quick glance at your plate, it will be impossible to know what you stored on it. Ideal for those like me, who travel all the time.

Material and Durability:

It is made from Aerospace-Grade Titanium. To be precise, it is TC4 titanium alloy, known for its exceptional strength and durability. This material can withstand extreme temperatures, with a melting point of 1668°C (3034°F), making it resistant to fire damage. It's also waterproof and resistant to chemical corrosion, including acids and alkalis. This ensures that your seed phrases remain intact even in adverse environmental conditions. 

Capacity:

KeyTag can store up to 24 recovery phrases or two 12-word seed phrases. It also includes an additional row for passphrases, enhancing its versatility for users with multiple wallets or complex security setups.

Encoding System:

Each plate features a grid pattern that allows you to punch dots corresponding to words. Instead of writing out the words directly, you record the numerical representation of each word based on the BIP39 word list, which contains 2048 words. This list comes with the kit in the form of a paper booklet but it's also available online, so you don't have to worry about losing it. The best part is, if you're using a device from OneKey, it will display you a visual image of where you need to punch the plate for your seed phrase, it's part of the back-up process and this is done on the screen of your device, not on your phone, so it's safe and easy. If you're not using a OneKey device, you can still use the plate, but then you'll have to use the booklet to figure out what number corresponds to your word, for each of the words. And this can be a lengthy process, so you might prefer to use my other preferred brands.

Technical Specifications:

• Material: TC4 titanium alloy
• Melting Point: 1668°C (3034°F)
• Storage Capacity: Up to 24 recovery phrases; 2 extra passphrases
• Water Resistance: Yes
• Chemical Resistance: Acid and alkali resistant

Pricing:

KeyTag retails for approximately $59, which includes two units and all necessary tools for setup. This price is the lowest you'll find for this type of product, especially since you get 2 of these in the kit. And you can get this with a discount if you use my discount code: CRYPTOCORNER
https://bit.ly/0nekey 

Domino by Bitplates

There are two products by this brand that I use. The smaller, Domino and the bigger, Domino Grande

Design:

The Domino plates allow for easy encoding of seed phrases using a dot system, where each square can represent two letters. This innovative approach simplifies the setup process compared to traditional letter stamping methods.
There are two main sizes. Domino One is bigger and heavier (350g) and with an alphabet template, making it easier for users to punch in their seed phrases quickly. If you struggle with eyesight, this one might be better and easier for you.
Domino One 2 is smaller, lighter (175gr) and allows for storage of a 12-word seed phrase.

Material:

Made from 316L stainless steel, which has enhanced corrosion resistance compared to standard 316 stainless steel due to its lower carbon content. This is particularly beneficial in harsh environments, such as those exposed to saltwater.

Durability Testing:

Bitplates products have undergone rigorous stress tests to evaluate their performance under extreme conditions:

• Heat Resistance: Both the Domino and Domino Grande plates were subjected to temperatures around 2000°F (1093°C) for 10 minutes. Remarkably, there was no data loss, demonstrating their ability to withstand intense heat, which mimics conditions during a house fire.
  .
• Water Resistance: Following the heat tests, the plates were submerged in water, simulating firefighting efforts. Again, both products showed no data loss, underscoring their resilience against water damage.
  .
• Crush Resistance: A hydraulic press test applied a force equivalent to a building collapsing on top of the devices. Both the Domino and Domino Grande plates exhibited no data loss, confirming their robustness against crushing forces.

Below are three examples of durability stress-testing I found on this blog (go check it out if you like). 
Image 1 is an Acid-test, image 2 is a crush-test and image 3 is the heat-test.
No loss of data. Ideal.

Encoding System:

The Domino also employs an encoding system using dots to represent words from the BIP39 word list. Each word corresponds to a specific dot arrangement, allowing users to punch their seed phrases securely onto the plate. Again we have a cryptic, non-obvious way to store our data.

Technical Specifications

• Material: Marine-grade 316L stainless steel
• Thickness: 3mm
• Storage Capacity: 12 and 24 seed words depending on type.
• Fire Resistance: Yes
• Corrosion Resistance: Yes

Pricing:

The Bitplates Domino One retails for £95, while the smaller, Domino One2 is £85 with a 10% discount if you use my discount code: CRYPTOCORNER (this saves you around £10). This pricing reflects its high-quality materials and robust design compared to other seed storage solutions on the market.

Ellipal Steel Seed

I like this one mainly because it's very easy to put together, looks like a mini briefcase and the letters are sliding in, so in case you stop using a wallet, you can re-use the plate for another wallet (just don't lose the extra letters). It's very compact, which you can't see from the pictures, but it's in fact smaller than the palm of your hand. Cute.

Reusable Design:

The device allows for easy addition and removal of letters, enabling you to update or change your seed phrases without needing a new device. All tools needed are included in the package, and it's the easiest from all the models I featured here.

Material and Durability:

Aviation-Grade 316 Stainless Steel is known for its exceptional strength and corrosion resistance. This material provides a long-lasting solution for seed phrase storage.

The device is fireproof, waterproof, mold-proof, and insect-proof. Like the previous two products, this also can endure temperatures exceeding 1454°C (2649°F), making it highly resilient against potential disasters such as fires or floods.

Capacity:

This device can accommodate 12, 15, 18, 21 or 24-word recovery phrase a single set (or two sets of 12-word phrases.) 

Encoding System:

First Four Letters Method: You only need to input the first four letters of each word from your seed phrase. This method simplifies the process while maintaining security, as each BIP39 word is unique within its first four characters. Typically, most of the new models of wallets will guess the word as you enter the first 4 letters, so that's all you need really. 

Technical Specifications:

• Material: Aviation-grade 316 stainless steel
• Temperature Resistance: Exceeds 1454°C (2649°F)
• Storage Capacity: Up to 24 words (or two sets of 12-word phrases)
• Water Resistance: Yes
• Mold and Insect Resistance: Yes
• Dimensions: 70mm x 57mm x 6mm
• Weight: 130g

Pricing:

The Ellipal Seed Phrase Steel typically retails for around $59, making it an affordable option for those seeking a secure method for backing up their cryptocurrency seed phrases. I also have a coupon that gives you $5 Discount for any Ellipal products including this one. Go here https://bit.ly/buy-ellipal and enter CRYPTOCORNER at checkout.

SecuX X-SEED PRO

Last but certainly not least, is this steel plate by SecuX - the first metal plate I bought several years ago. It's made of Industrial-Grade Stainless Steel and it's also quite easy to use.

Design:

The sleek and compact design of the XSEED Pro makes it easy to store in safes or carry discreetly. You don't have to engrave or punch letters onto the plate, you simply slide them in similar to Ellipal's product.

Material and Durability:

The XSEED Pro is made from stainless steel, specifically designed to withstand harsh conditions. Its thickness of 6mm ensures that it resists bending, warping, and damage from high-pressure impacts. The device can endure extreme temperatures up to 2649°F (1454°C), making it fireproof and capable of protecting your seed phrases during catastrophic events like house fires. It's also waterproof and corrosion resistant.

Capacity

The XSEED Pro can store up to 24 recovery words, or it can accommodate 2 sets of 12 words each. 

Encoding System

The device utilizes pre-stamped letter tiles.

Technical Specifications:

• Material: Industrial-grade stainless steel
• Thickness: 6mm
• Temperature Resistance: Up to 2649°F (1454°C)
• Water Resistance: Yes
• Corrosion Resistance: Yes
• Storage Capacity: Up to 24 words or multiple sets of 12-word phrases
• Dimensions: 105 x 180 x 45 mm (4 x 7 1/16 x 1 3/4 inches)
• Weight: 460g (1.01 lbs)

Pricing:

Retails for $89, positioning it competitively within the market for metal seed storage solutions while offering excellent value for its features and durability. You get 15% discount with my ref link: https://bit.ly/shop-secuX No code needed.

☝These are my opinions, not financial advice, always DYOR.

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⚠️ DISCLAIMER ⚠️

The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. This content reflects solely my own opinion and analysis.
Purchasing cryptocurrencies poses considerable risk of losses. All information is meant for public awareness and contains what is already in the public domain. Always do your own research!