Protecting your crypto investments goes beyond using a cold wallet.
Both your private keys and your recovery phrase are vital.
Using a metal storage device provides durability for long-term protection.
Seed phrase storage solutions like Material DIY, Billfodl, Cryptotag, and Cryptosteel are popular options that provide a reliable backup for your crypto wallet.
This post will specifically look into Billfodl vs Cryptosteel. We’ll explore its features, ease of use, price, benefits, and drawbacks.
| Feature | Billfodl | Cryptosteel |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Durability | Highly durable, resistant to wear | Extremely durable, corrosion-resistant |
| Fire Resistance | Up to 1200°C | Up to 1200°C |
| Water Resistance | Yes | Yes |
| Setup Mechanism | Sliding tile system for arranging letters | Sliding tiles flat (Cassette) or stacked (Capsule) |
| Portability | Compact design | The Cassette weighs significantly more than Billfodl |
| Price | Approx. $99 (currently on sale for $89) | Ranging from $129-$159 |
| Selling Feature | More affordable option | Innovative design (first of its kind) |
Private Key and Seed Phrase Protection
For anyone who has invested in Bitcoin or any other digital asset, you should know that moving your crypto from an exchange to a hardware cold card wallet is key.
But did you know that also safeguarding your seed phrase is just as important?
Your seed phrase, also called a recovery phrase, is just that…the phrase you use to recover your wallet.
Without it, you can never regain access to a lost or stolen crypto wallet.
Why Securing Private Keys is Essential for Cryptocurrency Wallets
Finding the safest place to hold your crypto might seem difficult, but luckily there are some great options for protecting your private keys.
Your private keys are what digitally “sign” a transaction. They authenticate the ID of the wallet and its owner to make sure that the funds are sent to the right recipient.
If you didn’t have a private key, accessing crypto would be impossible.
This is why hackers and cybercriminals are so desperate to get their hands on your private keys.
It gives them the ability to steal your assets with no repercussions as crypto transactions are irreversible.
This is where your seed phrase becomes your saving grace!
What is a Seed Phrase, and Why is Its Protection Crucial?
A seed phrase is a chain of 12, 18, or 24 words. It can be generated by a hardware crypto wallet or you can create it yourself using a reliable seed phrase generator.
These words become your secret password for restoring your crypto wallet if it’s ever lost or stolen.
Safeguarding your seed phrase on a paper or digital device is common but not recommended since paper can wear down easily and digital devices can be subject to malware and other threats.
Using a cold wallet backup for seed phrase storage is the best option for protection.
They are durable over time and are resistant to water and fire damage.
Billfodl vs Cryptosteel
Cryptosteel’s Cassette seed phrase wallet came onto the market in 2013 and soon after, the company open-sourced the design, meaning that anyone could replicate the model.
It wasn’t until 2017 that Billfodl was released, with an extremely similar design and functionality.
Both metal recovery cards are steel plates that slide open with a screw and locking mechanism.
They require you to manually insert pre-engraved titles to spell out the first four letters of each word within your seed phrase.
Although they are both similar, there are some slight differences between the two.
Materials and Durability
Billfodl and Cryptosteel are both made from stainless steel, ensuring durability and long-term use.
Billfodl uses grade 316 stainless steel that is resistant to corrosion and mechanical stress, meaning that it is unbreakable.
Cryptosteel’s Cassette model is made from grade 304 stainless steel with anti-corrosion features.
The Billfodl vs Cryptosteel in comparative tests both stood up against tensile strength and resistance.
As both look similar, the main difference between the two is its weight.
| Billfodl | Cryptosteel | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 104mm х 58mm х 5mm (4.1in х 2.3in х 0.2in) | 105mm х 60mm х 5.7mm (4.1in х 2.4in х 0.22in) |
| Weight | 0.4kg (14oz) | 208g (0.46lb) |
Ease of Use and Setup
Both use a sliding mechanism for you to arrange your seed phrase.
The Billfodl now comes in an individually packed divider, that distributes letter titles.
It previously came as a single metal sheet, where you needed to manually push out each letter that you wanted to use.
Cryptosteel also comes divided by letter groups and prepackaged.
Cryptosteel and Billfodl only require you to add the first 4 letters of each seed word, since the BIP39 system guarantees that no words repeat the first 4 letters.
Resistance to External Factors: Water, Fire, and Corrosion
When it comes to durability the Billfodl vs Cryptosteel are kneck in kneck.
They both are water-resistant and can withstand temperatures up to 1200°C.
Price and Value for Money
Price is an important factor for many users.
Billfodl is priced at $99, offering a more cost-effective solution than Cryptosteel.
The Cryptosteel Cassette retails for $159, justifying its price difference due to weighing more.
User Feedback and Comments: Billfodl vs Cryptosteel
Users on Reddit have compared Billfodl vs Cryptosteel wallets, highlighting differences in material quality and design.
The Billfodl is constructed from grade 316 stainless steel, while the Cryptosteel Cassette uses grade 304 stainless steel.
This might seem irrelevant, but it’s a topic of interest for many as the degree of resistance for each wallet is highly debated.
Its steel grade and therefore weight influence users’ perspective on each wallet’s durability.
When it comes to design, the Billfodl vs Cryptosteel are virtually the same.
Both use a sliding mechanism to secure the letter tiles that form recovery words.
Some users have expressed their concerns about the durability of the latch on the Cryptosteel Cassette, suggesting that the Billfodl’s design might be stronger.
Another comparison that users make in the debate of Billdfodl vs Cryptosteel is between the letter tiles themselves.
The Billfodl letters are engraved by a laser, making them “smoother” and therefore easier to slide into the slots.
Cryptosteel titles are stamped. This makes them more rugged and rough, giving users a more difficult time to slide them into the slots.
But, as one user pointed out, in the case of a fire, the stamped letters should make the recovery of your seed phrase more likely.
Why?🤔
Because stamped letters have a deeper groove and therefore can be felt with your fingertips!
Alternatives and Other Market Options
Billfodl and Cryptosteel are popular options and have been on the market for many years.
However, both metal crypto wallets are extremely time-consuming and require immense user attention and patience.
If you are not into one-by-one sliding-in letter tiles and prefer less complicated options with the same durability and strength, then let us introduce you to some alternatives.
Cryptotag and Material DIY
Cryptotag is a company that makes a variety of titanium backup wallets. Their simplest version is called the Loki.
The titanium card has rows and columns of letters for each recovery word. You punch the letter of each word on the row that corresponds to the column with the provided punching tool.
This is a great option for those who prefer to engrave their seed phrase, however, it still requires diligence to not make a mistake and punch the wrong row or letter.
The Loki also has a more expensive price point compared to other engravable recovery wallets, which might not be appealing to a budget-conscious user.
Material DIY on the other hand, is a customizable seed phrase storage solution that is the easiest to use.
Made from AISI 304L steel, it is water, fire, and shock resistant.
The package comes with a metal plate, that allows you to engrave up to 24 words using the provided tungsten pen.
You can write the full word or only the first 4 letters of each word in your seed phrase.
It’s up to you!
There are no screws to open, unlock or manage. Nor are there any other individual pieces or tiles that you need to manage or place.
Simply write each word in the indicated order, as you would on paper. The only, difference is that Material DIY will never wear and tear like a paper wallet.
Retailing at $59, it is the easiest option and most affordable, while still providing the same protection and durability as Cryptosteel, Billfodl, and Cryptotag wallets.
Cryptotag vs Material DIY
| Feature | Cryptotag | Material DIY |
|---|---|---|
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Material | Titanium | AISI 304L Steel |
| Price | Loki retails for $89 | $59 |
| Setup | Engraving letters by punching rows/columns | Engraving words directly with tungsten pen |
| Durability | Fire, water, and shock resistant | Fire, water, and shock resistant |
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Seed Phrase Storage
With many options available, our recommendation is to review your needs and expectations and pick a seed phrase wallet from there.
What’s important to you?
💲Price?
💪Durability?
⛈️Resistance to the elements?
🔒Privacy?
😀Ease of use?
Assessing Your Personal Needs
The right seed phrase storage solution depends largely on your personal preferences and budget.
If you’re someone who prioritizes maximum security, you may prefer a high-end metal backup wallet like the Material DIY.
Combined with the Material Shadow cold storage, this duo is the most comprehensive option as they are resistant to extreme conditions and very user-friendly.
If you prefer a more interactive option the Billfodl gives the same manual manipulation and puzzle-like storage as the Cryptosteel but at a cheaper price tag.
| Best For | Recommended Solution | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Security | Material DIY | Withstands extreme conditions, corrosion-resistant, robust stainless steel build |
| Budget-Friendly | Material DIY | Lower cost with the same durability and security as the rest |
| Advanced User | Billfodl | Pairs with other electronic hardware wallets like Ledger and more |
| Heavy-Weight Champion | Cryptosteel Cassette | Is the heaviest wallet option, giving users a stronger feeling of durability and strength |
If you are looking for portability, the CryptoTag or Billfodl works well because it is easy to carry and both come with a cover to hide your seed phrase.
But, if you prefer a product that is meant to withstand harsh conditions over long periods and is beginner-friendly, the Material DIY Wallet is the best choice.
Each option serves a different use, so knowing your needs will help pick which one is the best fit for your crypto backup.
FAQ
Is it Safe to Store My Seed Phrase on a Metal Device?
- Yes, metal devices like Billfodl, Cryptosteel, and Material DIY are designed to protect against fire, water, and other damages, making them perfect options for storing seed phrases safely.
How Does Billfodl vs Cryptosteel Compare in Fires?
- Cryptosteel has shown to be a bit more resistant than Billfodl simply because it is thicker. However, both wallets claim to withstand heat up to 1200°C. Additionally, since the Cryptosteel tiles are stamped and not laser engraved, the individual letters are also meant to hold up against high heat.
What Other Options Exist for Securing My Private Keys?
- Paper wallets and encrypted digital backups exist, however, these options are more likely to degrade over time.
Can I Use Multiple Solutions for Added Security?
- Yes, using a combination of methods for your crypto backup is ideal. But, it also comes with added risks of security. Make sure to store them separately and in safe places.
0 Comments