Crypto Seed Bank | Getting Started

Use this guide to engrave your wallet's recovery words with Crypto Seed Bank's integrated letter stencils and tungsten tipped pen.

Updated

Before you begin

The engraving process applies to earlier cards too, although card markings, accessories and pen designs may differ. Follow the instructions supplied with your version where they differ from this guide.

Confirm your wallet's backup format before marking the cards. Check that the card layout can hold the complete record you need. Different wallet backup formats are not interchangeable.

For English BIP39 recovery words: the first four letters uniquely identify each word. Write a word shorter than four letters in full. Keep the original order and do not translate the words. Do not assume this abbreviation method applies to a different wordlist or backup format. See the BIP39 specification.

An optional wallet passphrase is a separate value. Preserve it exactly, including case, spaces and symbols; do not shorten it to four letters. The card's recovery-word layout may not suit it. Consult your wallet provider's passphrase guidance before choosing how to record it.

1. Prepare your kit and workspace

  • Two stainless steel Crypto Seed Bank cards.
  • The tungsten tipped engraving pen.
  • A stable, flat surface with good lighting.
  • Your existing recovery-word record for reference.

Work privately, away from cameras, screen sharing and anyone who should not see the words. Do not photograph the completed cards or enter the phrase into an online checking tool.

For the pen currently included with Crypto Seed Bank, remove the protective cap, then press and hold the top button to adjust the tip. Leave the tip about halfway exposed and release the button to hold it in place. Handle the sharp tip carefully.

2. Position the cards

  1. Place the cards black sides up, one on top of the other. Use the top card's stencil to engrave into the card beneath it.
  2. Hold the cards firmly with your non-writing hand so they do not slide. Keep your fingers clear of the engraving tip.
  3. If your card has a nickname line, you can practice the technique there using a non-secret label. Engraving is permanent, so plan the label first.

3. Engrave the recovery words

  1. Start with the first word and its matching numbered position on the card.
  2. Hold the pen close to a 90-degree angle to fit inside the stencil. Use a comfortable three-finger grip and light pressure.
  3. Trace back and forth within the stencil until the letter is clear. Around 5–10 strokes per letter can be a starting point; check the result as you work.
  4. Move through the words in their original order. Check each entry against your reference before continuing.
  5. Take breaks if your hand or arm becomes tired. A card can take more than 30 minutes to complete.

If you make a mistake, cross it out and add the correction only if the intended entry and word order remain unambiguous. If the result is hard to read, use a replacement card.

Use the same technique for the second card if you are making a second copy. Each intended complete backup must contain all the recovery words required by your wallet. Do not split a phrase between cards unless you understand that every part will be needed for recovery.

4. Check the finished backup

Compare every engraved entry and its position against your original record. Keep the original until you have checked the new backup.

If your wallet provides an official backup-check feature, follow its instructions. Do not reset your only working wallet simply to test the engraving. Our recovery phrase storage checklist covers verification and storage in more detail.

5. Store it securely

Choose a private storage location protected from unauthorized access and avoid keeping every complete backup in one place. A durable card still needs secure storage.

If your kit includes tamper-evident stickers, they can show signs of opening; they do not stop someone from reading the cards. A supplied ring can keep cards together, but consider whether that arrangement fits your backup plan. Avoid carrying your recovery phrase on an everyday keyring.

In our demonstrated blowtorch test, the engraved words remained readable after the card was heated until red hot. This is an observation from that test, not a certified fire rating or a guarantee against every kind of damage.

Need help with the product? Contact us, but never send recovery words or photographs that reveal them.