A private key is a cryptographic key which basically is a long string of 0's and 1's. The private key is created by a software or hardware wallet (we recommend using a hardware wallet). It's also stored on the device where it's created on.
Your private key is the key to all your crypto receiving addresses (public keys). It's essential to backup the private key in case your (hardware) wallet gets lost or broken.
As a human you generally won't get to see the private key itself since it's hard to read, note down and remember. Instead you will get to see the recovery seed phrase. These are 12, 18 or 24 words which are easily readable and writable. You can use the recovery seed phrase to restore the private key and therefore the access to your crypto funds.
The SOLIDHODL enables you to punch these words down into stainless steel. This way you can protect it for life.