Blockstream has launched a steel private key protection device, called the Blockstream Metal. Modeled using the open source CryptoSteel design, and manufactured by Billfodl, this product is made to help cryptocurrency users secure their private keys or recovery seeds against damage.
It can be purchased for $79.99 from their website, and comes with custom laser-engraved Blockstream logo on the front and the infamous “Don’t Trust, Verify” phrase on the back.
Announcing the brand new @Blockstream Metal. Protect your wallet seed and private keys from fire, flooding, ink degradation, and more with high quality marine grade 316 stainless steel! 🔐 https://t.co/Ij2WADiPbL pic.twitter.com/IHHSweu4va
— Blockstream (@Blockstream) November 17, 2018
Owners of cold storage hardware wallets, like the Ledger or Trezor, know that the entire device can be recovered with the use of the 24-word recovery seed. This seed is usually written down on a piece of paper, but what happens if disaster strikes? Paper can easily be ruined by water, fire, erosion, or even physical damage. Stainless steel, on the other hand, can withstand all kinds of natural disaster.
In addition, ink degrades over time, so if you’re serious about HODL’ing, it might be worth it to upgrade your recovery seed storage technique. Made from the extremely durable grade 316 stainless steel, these steel backups will last for years. If you don’t want to spend the money on this device, you can go to the hardware store and DIY, but that will take much more time and energy than simply buying a Blockstream Metal.
To prove the sturdiness of these steel devices, Bitcoin enthusiast and CTO of CASA Jameson Lopp published an extensive review where he put the steel to the test. Using fire, chemicals, and a mechanical press, Lopp showed how resilient these devices are.
Blockstream, who defines themselves as “the global leader in Bitcoin and blockchain technology,” is mainly focused on building and improving cryptocurrency technologies. Founded in 2014 by Dr. Adam Back, their products include Liquid sidechains (confidential transactions between exchanges), the Blockstream Satellite (which allows transactions to be communicated in space), and of course Lightning (the popular off-chain scaling solution). Blockstream also owns GreenAddress, a popular web wallet.