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Rabbit Hole Recap
Self-Custody Protocol
A redundant Coldcard setup with passphrase protection. Two signing devices, one seed stamped in steel — true self-sovereignty with no single point of failure. Recommended by Matt Odell on Rabbit Hole Recap.
Choose Your Devices
Select a signing device combination. You'll get two devices for redundancy.
Add Expert Help
Book a 1-hour guided setup session with a Bitcoin Butler.
Setup Steps
Unbox & verify your Coldcard(s)
Check tamper-evident bags, verify firmware, and familiarize yourself with the device.
Generate seed on Device 1
Use your Coldcard's true random number generator to create a new 24-word seed phrase.
Add a passphrase
Add a BIP39 passphrase for an extra layer of protection. This creates a hidden wallet that requires both the seed and passphrase to access.
Stamp seed + passphrase into steel
Permanently record your seed words and passphrase on steel plates to protect against fire, flood, and degradation.
Connect to Bull Bitcoin
Link your wallet to Bull Bitcoin so you can buy Bitcoin directly to your self-custodied wallet — no intermediary holding your coins.
Receive a test transaction
Send a small amount of Bitcoin to your new wallet to verify everything works end-to-end before committing larger amounts.
Clone seed to Device 2 & verify with Sparrow
Enter the same seed and passphrase into your second Coldcard. Export the xpub to Sparrow Wallet and confirm you see the same balance — proving both devices control the same wallet. Store the second device securely in a separate location you control, protected by both its PIN and your passphrase.
Ready to take control of your Bitcoin?