Knife skins are the most coveted and expensive weapon skins in CS2, with some reaching astronomical prices that rival luxury cars and even real estate. While knives dominate the high-end market, Revolution Case gloves and other Clutch Case gloves also command impressive prices in the CS2 economy.
While knife skins don't affect gameplay performance, they're highly sought after as status symbols and investments in the CS2 community. The rarest knives can cost more than most people's annual salaries.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the most expensive CS2 knife ever sold, what makes certain knives so valuable, and the current market for high-end knife skins.
The Crown Jewel: Factory New Blue Gem Karambit
What Makes This Knife Worth $1.5 Million?
The most expensive CS2 knife combines several ultra-rare factors:
- Knife Type: Karambit - The most desired knife model with its distinctive curved blade
- Skin: Case Hardened - Allows for unique pattern variations
- Pattern: #387 "Blue Gem" - 100% blue coverage on the play side
- Condition: Factory New with 0.0480 wear rating
- Uniqueness: Only one known to exist with this exact combination
The Case Hardened pattern system randomly generates color distributions, with blue being the rarest. Most Case Hardened knives feature primarily gold and purple tones, making a 100% blue pattern extraordinarily rare - essentially a perfect storm of RNG that may never be replicated.
How much did the Karambit Case Hardened with a perfect blue gem pattern sell for?
The Karambit Case Hardened skin was valued at over 1.5 million back in September of 2021. An offer of 1.2 million euros worth of bitcoin (Just over 22 bitcoins at that time).
With the owner and potential buyer wanting to remain private throughout the purchasing phase it is hard to dig deeper into the exact conversations but what we know is a middleman (ohnepixel2) had brief conversations with the owner letting them know of the large offer about and they decided to state "Not Interested, 1.2 is low".
Making this the most expensive knife skin, not only in Counter-Strike but also in every computer game ever.
How rare is the Karambit Case Hardened with a perfect blue gem pattern?
It's easy to ask what are the chances of getting this knife in a random box drop.
I could just say their chance is very very low.
But let's break it down.
Assuming you are unboxing the correct case and there have been over 930 million cases unboxed then the chances of you getting the rarest knife is 0.00000010695%!
Needless to say, this is probably never going to drop again.
Remember, it also needs to come with a 100% blue gem color and a wear rating of 0.0480 or better.
What Case did the Karambit Case Hardened with a perfect blue gem pattern come from?
The 2013 CS:GO Weapons Case was the first case for the skin to come out. There are a few other cases you can find expensive knives, including:
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Weapon Case
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Weapon Case 2
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Weapon Case 3
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eSports 2013 Case
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eSports 2013 Winter Case
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eSports 2014 Summer Case
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Revolver Case
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Operation Bravo Case
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Operation Phoenix Weapon Case
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Operation Vanguard Weapon Case
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Winter Offensive Weapon Case
Released on the 14th of August, 2013, the Karambit case-hardened skins quickly became one of the more popular choices for unboxers.
The one-of-a-kind blue gem came out of these boxes with a wear rating of 0.0480 and the pattern template 387.
Who owns the most expensive CS2 knife?
As of 2024, valued at over 1.5 million dollars, the current owner "青い王" (Chinese collector whose name translates to "Blue King") remains one of the most mysterious figures in CS2 trading.
The collector is very private and only talks to very select people who are also secretive about who they speak with, especially regarding this knife skin.
Why Are Blue Gems So Expensive?
It comes down to demand and supply. With such a limited supply of perfect/near-perfect knives with such specific requirements, it makes it hard for new knives to make their way onto the market.
This, along with what very rich collectors personally find appealing is what also increases the prices. In this case, expensive knife skins come down to who is willing to increase the bid as the supply will remain unchanged.
Some, so-called, experts on the counter-strike scene claim this karambit knife has the ability to surpass $1.7 million within the coming year. Allowing it to, by far, keep the title of the most expensive CS2 knife.
How much are CS2 knives worth?
CS2's cosmetics market is one of the most vibrant in gaming. While typical knives range from $100 to $500, rare patterns and conditions can push prices into five or six figures. The Blue Gem Karambit stands alone at $1.5 million, but other high-tier knives regularly sell for $10,000 to $100,000. With case keys costing around $2.50, the excitement of potentially unboxing a valuable knife keeps the case-opening economy thriving. For players looking to showcase their expensive skins in-game, mastering CS2 console commands can help with weapon inspection and display settings.
Understanding Knife Pricing in CS2
Factors That Determine Knife Value
- Rarity - Drop rate and case availability
- Pattern - Unique patterns like Blue Gems or specific fades
- Wear Rating - Factory New commands highest prices
- Knife Type - Karambits and Butterfly knives are most sought after
- StatTrak™ - Adds 20-50% to base value
- Market Demand - Popular designs command premium prices
Other Expensive CS2 Knives Worth Noting
Beyond the legendary Blue Gem, several other knives command impressive prices. Just as Recoil Case gloves and Snakebite Case gloves offer premium cosmetic options for hands, these knives represent the pinnacle of weapon skins:
Butterfly Knife Marble Fade ($1,500-$3,000)
Released in 2017 through the Spectrum cases, the Butterfly Knife Marble Fade combines two highly desired elements: the flashy butterfly knife animation and the colorful marble fade pattern. With only a 0.26% drop chance, Factory New versions with optimal color patterns can reach $3,000+.
Stiletto Knife Crimson Web ($1,750-$4,000)
The sleek Stiletto paired with the iconic Crimson Web pattern creates a sought-after combination. Released in 2018, Factory New versions are extremely rare due to the Crimson Web's tendency to spawn in lower conditions, driving prices up significantly.
M9 Bayonet Crimson Web ($5,500-$15,000+)
One of the original high-tier knives from 2013, the M9 Bayonet Crimson Web in Factory New condition is exceptionally rare. StatTrak™ Factory New versions have sold for over $15,000, making it one of the most expensive non-Case Hardened knives in CS2.
M9 Bayonet Gamma Doppler ($600-$2,000)
While more common than other knives on this list, the M9 Bayonet Gamma Doppler's emerald phase can reach $2,000+. The vibrant green coloration makes it a favorite among collectors seeking a high-end knife at a more accessible price point.
Where to Trade CS2 Knives
Official Marketplaces
- Steam Community Market - Safe but limited to $2,000 items
- CS2 Trading - Direct player-to-player trades
Third-Party Platforms
- Buff163 - Popular in Asia, handles high-value items
- CSFloat - P2P marketplace with item verification
- Skinport - Lower fees than Steam Market
- BitSkins - Established platform with cash-out options
Important: Always verify platform legitimacy and use trusted middlemen for high-value trades. For those new to CS2 trading, understanding the history of Counter-Strike games can provide context for how the skin economy evolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rarest knife pattern in CS2?
The Blue Gem pattern (Pattern #387) on the Karambit Case Hardened is considered the rarest and most valuable, especially in Factory New condition.
Can I still unbox a Blue Gem Karambit?
Technically yes, but the odds are astronomically low - approximately 0.00000010695% for the perfect pattern in Factory New condition.
Why are Case Hardened knives so expensive?
Case Hardened patterns are randomly generated, with blue being the rarest color. A 100% blue pattern (Blue Gem) is exceptionally rare, driving extreme prices.
What's the best knife to invest in?
While no investment is guaranteed, historically popular knives include Karambits, Butterfly Knives, and M9 Bayonets in rare patterns or Doppler phases. Similar to how Operation Broken Fang Case gloves maintain value due to their limited availability, discontinued knife cases often see price appreciation.
How do I check if a knife is worth buying?
Check recent sales data, verify the pattern index, inspect wear rating, and compare prices across multiple platforms before making high-value purchases.
Conclusion
The $1.5 million Blue Gem Karambit represents the pinnacle of CS2's virtual economy, where digital items can exceed the value of physical luxury goods. While most players will never own such a knife, understanding what makes these items valuable provides insight into one of gaming's most fascinating marketplaces.
Whether you're looking to invest in high-tier knives or simply admiring from afar, the CS2 knife market continues to evolve with new patterns, cases, and record-breaking sales keeping collectors and traders engaged worldwide. For players looking to improve their gameplay while showing off their skins, our CS2 practice config guide can help you set up the perfect training environment.