Blog · Archiving

Labeling metal backups without clues

Archive Label Atelier students often arrive with plates etched “BTC MAIN” or wrapped in notes that mention word length. Both habits teach thieves what they are holding.

Use a private legend

Physical tags carry only opaque IDs. The legend that maps IDs to meaning lives in a different location — ideally in the custody log, not taped to the plate.

Avoid decorative uniqueness

Bright stickers and unusual boxes make media memorable to outsiders. Plain containers inside a boring shelf system reduce curiosity during casual access.

Rehearse retrieval

Once a quarter, practice finding Tin-14 using only the index. If retrieval requires tribal knowledge from one person, the label system is incomplete.

Not Financial Advice. Map zones on the Seed Phrase Audit Workspace page.