[GUIDE] The "Ghost" Backup: Fireproof Cold Storage without the Paper Trail

[CryptoVoyager24]

Everyone agrees that steel backups (Cryptosteel, Billfodl, etc.) are the gold standard for fire protection.
However, buying these devices online creates a significant OpSec vulnerability: **The Paper Trail.**

When you order a "Crypto Backup Device" to your home address, you are permanently adding yourself to a database of "High-Value Targets."
- We saw this with the Ledger database leak.
- We see this with shipping logs being sold on darknet markets.

If a database leaks, criminals know exactly where to find a crypto holder.

**The Solution: The DIY "Ghost" Washer Method**
The goal is to create a backup that is fireproof, corrosion-resistant, and purchased entirely with **CASH** locally. No shipping logs, no emails, no traces.

**1. The Materials (Hardware Store)**
Go to your local hardware store. Pay cash.
* **24x Stainless Steel Washers:** Look for **Grade 316** (Marine Grade) if possible, or 304. They are more corrosion-resistant than standard zinc-plated ones. Size M8 or similar is good.
* **1x Stainless Steel Bolt & Nut:** Long enough to hold all washers.
* **1x Set of Metal Stamps (Letters/Numbers):** Often found in the tool section.

**2. The Process**
* **Step 1:** Stamp the **Index Number** (1, 2, 3...) on the edge of the washer.
* **Step 2:** Stamp the **first 4 letters** of your BIP39 seed word onto the face of the washer. (Per the BIP39 standard, the first 4 letters are unique).
* **Step 3:** Thread them onto the bolt in order.
* **Step 4:** Tighten the nut firmly.

**3. The Result**
* **Cost:** ~$15-20 (vs $100+ for branded tools).
* **Durability:** Melting point ~1400°C. Waterproof. Crushproof.
* **Privacy:** **100% Anonymous.** No vendor knows you own it.

**Conclusion**
Security is not just about the strength of the encryption; it is about the privacy of the actor.
Don't let convenience compromise your physical safety. Build it yourself.

[Mahiyammahi]

Certainly OP wrote an excellent Guide for everyone.
Unless it is

Undetectable AI

[bitbollo]

For sure this is nothing new.
Please look here, This is the local version created by fillippone but https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5388917.0
Anyway this has been taken as ispiration and there are many variants.
I would suggest to see a full description of any steps if you have no experience by setting up wallet and so on...
Plus as "add-on" have a look on glacier protocol https://glacierprotocol.org/ you can add some extra safety measure when creating your private key.

[fillippone]

For sure this is nothing new.
Please look here, This is the local version created by fillippone but https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5388917.0

Thank you bitbollo for linking my thread.

This is the English version of it:

Securing Your Seed Phrase with Washers

Definitely a fun guide to follow.
Experiment at your own risk.

[Oshosondy]

What about using high temperature marker of up to 1000 °C to write on the steal watcher instead instead of using stamper? I know stampers will be the best but I think anyone that has the high temperature marker at home may not necessarily need to buy the stamper. What do you think about this?

Also regardless of how heat resistant the steel watchers might be, it is good to have the seed phrase backup in two or more separate locations. It offers more protection but there is nothing that can not be lost.

[fillippone]

What about using high temperature marker of up to 1000 °C to write on the steal watcher instead instead of using stamper? I know stampers will be the best but I think anyone that has the high temperature marker at home may not necessarily need to buy the stamper. What do you think about this?

Also regardless of how heat resistant the steel watchers might be, it is good to have the seed phrase backup in two or more separate locations. It offers more protection but there is nothing that can not be lost.

Who has a high-temperature stamper at home?
This guide is meant to be used by casual users, willing to disguise their necessity of stamping a seed phrase by buying legitimate tools at a random hardware shop.

[pawanjain]

This is definitely AI as the formatting seems more like an AI response.
Coming to the topic though. I don't think a person really needs a detailed guide to backup their seed phrase on a metal/steel plate.
It's as simple as buying the steel plate and getting the phrase engraved on it.
Then we can find some really nerdy ways to hide those plates somewhere. We just have to be creative about it 

[tbct_mt2]

For sure this is nothing new.
Please look here, This is the local version created by fillippone but https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5388917.0
Anyway this has been taken as ispiration and there are many variants.

It is not new but OP maybe tried to buy these steel backup with cash to hide monetary flow by making it harder to be traced. There is nothing new except that point, use cash for purchase.

Metal Bitcoin Seed Storage Reviews
Crypto Security - Additional Protection For Your Seed/Private Keys.
Stainless steel Bitcoin Recovery Seed Plate
n0nce's Steel Washer Backup jig (customisable)

[CryptoVoyager24]

@Oshosondy
Regarding high-temp markers: I strongly advise against them.

Industrial markers rely on chemical pigments. Even if rated for 1000C, in a sustained house fire, chemical bonds can break down or oxidize, leaving the text unreadable.
Stamping works on a physical level - you are displacing the metal itself. You cannot burn a "dent" out of steel.

Also, thanks to @bitbollo and @filippone for the links. I was not aware of the local thread. My main focus here was the "Cash/No-KYC" aspect of the acquisition, as many people still order branded plates to their doormats.