Scenario: You control access to your secret vault using the only key, which means you have physical control over its contents. You hold full authority over the vault since no one else can access it unless they forcefully break in. You are responsible for keeping the key safe and ensuring the vault remains secure, with no other party involved unless force is used. Enforcement is physical, meaning the vault’s security relies on the strength of the lock and your ability to prevent unauthorized access through physical barriers.

Self-Custody is Control: You have control over the vault as long as no external force is used to breach it. The key provides you with authority, but the security of the vault is still subject to physical force.

Self-Custody is a Spectrum: The parties involved are you, the user, and potential external threats (e.g., burglars). There is no inherent unfair advantage because no entity controls the vault besides you. However, your self-custody is still limited by the physical security of the vault, which could be breached by force. This places you relatively high on the self-custody spectrum but not at the maximum level.

Self-Custody is Recursive: A secret vault secures access to tangible assets such as precious metals, legal documents, and family heirlooms. The unfair advantage manufacturers or service providers hold lies in their control over vault security mechanisms, such as key duplication or access codes. If custody over your vault is compromised—either through physical theft or a security flaw—everything stored within becomes vulnerable. The loss could include irreplaceable legal documents, such as property deeds or wills, which could hinder your ability to manage your estate. Additionally, losing access to family heirlooms or valuable artifacts could cause significant financial and emotional damage, as these items are often irreplaceable.