since you already have a 26Gb USB and also are familiar with linux, then just install one of your favorite distros on that USB disk and make it a cold storage by disconnecting its network forever and encrypting its home folder.
you boot up from it each time you want to spend and it remains cold.
you boot up from it each time you want to spend and it remains cold.
Well that's a good idea. The only problem I see with your suggestion would be the slowness that I get when I run a Linux Operating System in a stick, it's a real drag. I'd rather quickly plug a standard stick into my full-size Linux, quickly transfer coins, unplug and begone. My Linux computer has quite strong defences (which is why I don't put my crypto activities in windows).
And I don't really have a cavern of space because wallets for Litecoin and Ethereum are going in there too. But for sure I like your idea of encrypting the stick carrying the encrypted wallets. [Maybe I should think about a plug-in SSD drive]. Well thanks for the ideas.
speaking of safety any additional time or steps are worth it, specially if we are talking about considerable amount of bitcoin. and besides the Linux world is too big and flexible, you can make it as small as possible to boot up in the fastest way possible. like using the light distros.
the USB and your port is also important too. a USB 3, 3.1 is much faster than the older ones.
in any case, any option has its pros and cons. in the end you have to decide if the pros are more or the cons.
