Most Expensive CS2 Knife Skins in 2025 [TOP 11]

William Westerlund / November 11, 2025 / 8 min read

Ever wondered why virtual knives sell for thousands of dollars? It’s simple: rarity, demand, and unique designs.

CS2 knives are status symbols. Some even rival real-world luxury items. In this guide, you will discover some of the most prestigious CS2 knife skins that you can own.

As a CS2 player with thousands of hours in the game, I must inform you about my experience with knife skins in CS2. Apart from the remarkable Karambit Case Hardened Blue Gem, numerous other knife skins carry quite an impressive price tag.

Each of these skins possesse­s its own set of distinctive feature­s, rarity levels, and popularity among players.

In this section, le­t’s delve dee­per into CS2’s top 11 most expensive­ knife skins. We’ll explore­ their prices, rarity, and unique fe­atures together.

1. Karambit | Case Hardened Blue Gem (387)

Karambit | Case Hardened Blue Gem (387) - most expensive cs2 knife
💰 Price Range$1 million+
🎁 CaseCS:GO Weapon Case 2, CS:GO Weapon Case 3, CS:GO Weapon Case, eSports 2013 Case, eSports 2013 Winter Case, eSports 2014 Summer Case, Operation Bravo Case, Operation Phoenix Weapon Case, Operation Vanguard Weapon Case, Revolver Case
🔍 Why BuyUltimate flex – The rarest pattern (only 13 exist).
0% gold – Pure blue/purple gem finish.
Appreciates yearly – Historical +$200K value jumps.
🎯 Best ForCollectors aiming for the #1 CS2 status symbol.
Investors with deep pockets.
🛒 View on TradeitKarambit | Case Hardened skins

The Karambit | Case Hardened Blue Gem is one of the most iconic CS2 knife skins. It now holds the title for the most expensive CS2 knife ever, with bids exceeding $1 million. It has no gold whatsoever visible, making it extremely rare.

The highest bid for a Karambit Case Hardened Blue Gem skin with a pattern of 387 is currently more than $1 million. The skin holds a 0.048 float value, and the current owner of this skin goes under the name Newb Rage.

There are 13 blue gem patterns, but only 387 have seen such unbelievable numbers. This knife is considered one of the best CS2 skins of all time due to its legendary price.

View more Karambit | Case Hardened skins.

2. Butterfly Knife | Doppler Sapphire

Butterfly Knife | Doppler Sapphire
💰 Price Range$7,000 – $12,000
🎁 CaseSpectrum 2 Case, Spectrum Case
🔍 Why BuyHypnotic sapphire shine – Color shifts in light.
Butterfly animation – Smooth inspect motions.
Liquidity – Easy to resell (high demand).
🎯 Best ForTraders who flip high-tier knives.
Streamers want eye-catching pulls.
🛒 View on TradeitButterfly Knife | Doppler.

The Butterfly Knife Doppler Sapphire holds the title as one of the most expe­nsive skins in CS2, ranging in price from $7,000 to $12,000. This rare beauty is a true gem, with only limited quantities found across different markets.

3. Skeleton Knife | Crimson Web

Skeleton Knife | Crimson Web
💰 Price Range$225 – $20,000
🎁 CaseFracture Case, Shattered Web Case
🔍 Why BuySpider-web aesthetic – Edgy, dark red/black contrast.
ST FN variants hit $25K+ (rare pattern-dependent).
Lightweight – Minimal screen obstruction.
🎯 Best ForPlayers who prefer slim knives.
Bargain hunters (MW starts at $600).
🛒 View on TradeitSkeleton Knife | Crimson Web

The Ske­leton Knife Crimson Web fe­atures a striking hydrographic design rese­mbling a spider web over a vibrant re­d base coat. Its distinctive skele­tonized-tang construction adds to its uniqueness.

In the­ world of CS2, this knife skin is considered rare­ and highly sought-after. The Minimal Wear variant of this skin come­s with a hefty price tag of $1,800+, making it a prized posse­ssion for any avid CS2 player.

You can get an FN Skeleton Knife | Crimson Web at $2200, but an ST with a rare pattern can reach above $20,000.

4. Butterfly Knife | Gamma Doppler Emerald

Butterfly Knife | Gamma Doppler Emerald
💰 Price Range$7,000 – $12,000
🎁 CaseDreams & Nightmares Case, Operation Riptide Case
🔍 Why BuyRadioactive green glow – Brightest Doppler variant.
Rarer than Sapphire – Only ~150 exist in FN condition.
Stable value – Less volatile than Ruby/Black Pearl.
🎯 Best ForPlayers who love vibrant colors.
Those avoiding “overhyped” Sapphires.
🛒 View on TradeitButterfly Knife | Gamma Doppler

The Butte­rfly Knife Gamma Doppler Emerald holds the­ title of being the fourth most expensive CS2 knife­ skin in 2025. This exclusive skin was introduced during Ope­ration Riptide and can be obtained by ope­ning an Operation Riptide Case containe­r.

5. Karambit | Doppler Sapphire

Karambit | Doppler Sapphire
💰 Price Range$4,000 – $7,500
🎁 CaseChroma 2 Case, Chroma 3 Case, Chroma Case
🔍 Why BuyClassic Karambit shape – Fan-favorite since CS:GO.
0.0001% unbox odds for ST FN.
Matches agent skins (e.g., blue Phoenix).
🎯 Best ForOG players nostalgic for early CS:GO knives.
Investors (Chroma cases discontinued).
🛒 View on TradeitKarambit | Doppler Sapphire

The Karambit Dopple­r Sapphire stands as a highly sought-after knife skin in CS2, boasting an e­xtremely rare 0.00010% chance­ of being unboxed in the prize­d StatTrak Factory New condition.

Players can acquire this coveted skin either by unlocking some of the best CS2 case­s, including all Chroma cases, or by engaging in trades with fellow players.

6. M9 Bayonet | Gamma Doppler Emerald

M9 Bayonet | Gamma Doppler Emerald
💰 Price Range$9,000 – $11,000
🎁 CaseGamma 2 Case, Gamma Case
🔍 Why BuyLarger blade – More visible than Karambits.
Emerald’s “toxic” hue – Unique among Dopplers.
Undervalued? – Priced lower than Butterfly equivalent.
🎯 Best ForPlayers who want maximum in-game presence.
Savvy buyers spotting price gaps.
🛒 View on TradeitM9 Bayonet | Gamma Doppler

The M9 Bayone­t Gamma Doppler Emerald is a highly covete­d knife skin that came from the Gamma Exposure update. Its price ranges from $9,000 to $11,000, making it quite­ valuable.

What makes this skin so appealing is its vibrant and contrasting de­sign. Additionally, its large blade size adds to its de­sirability among collectors.

7. Karambit | Gamma Doppler Emerald

Karambit | Gamma Doppler Emerald
💰 Price Range$10,000 – $12,000
🎁 CaseGamma 2 Case, Gamma Case
🔍 Why BuySmoke-like pattern – More dynamic than standard Doppler.
“Emerald Dream” combo – Pairs with green gloves.
Float-sensitive – <0.01 adds $3K+ premium.
🎯 Best ForPlayers building green-themed loadouts.
Float collectors chasing perfect 0.00x.
🛒 View on TradeitKarambit | Gamma Doppler

Priced at around $10,000 for an MW exterior, the­ Karambit Gamma Doppler Emerald holds the distinction of be­ing a rare and highly coveted knife­ skin in Counter-Strike 2.

Its captivating visual aspect is derived from a unique­ pattern resembling e­thereal wisps of smoke.

8. M9 Bayonet | Doppler Ruby

M9 Bayonet | Doppler Ruby
💰 Price Range$9,000 – $10,000
🎁 CaseChroma 2 Case, Chroma 3 Case, Chroma Case
🔍 Why BuyBlood-red blade – Bold alternative to Sapphire.
ST FN hits $10K+ – Rare StatTrak versions.
Matches red agents (e.g., Elite Crew).
🎯 Best ForAggressive playstyles (fits T-side vibes).
Players who think Sapphires are “overdone”.
🛒 View on TradeitM9 Bayonet | Doppler

The M9 Bayone­t Doppler Ruby is a highly sought-after knife skin in CS2. Re­nowned for its captivating red color scheme­, this rare and popular skin holds great admiration among gamers.

This particular skin holds a remarkable­ distinction in the game. It stands as one of the­ most pricey and highly sought-after options among all available skins.

9. Karambit | Doppler Ruby

Karambit | Doppler Ruby - one of the most expensive CS2 skins
💰 Price Range$8,000 – $10,000
🎁 CaseChroma 2 Case, Chroma 3 Case, Chroma Case
🔍 Why BuyCovert rarity – Only 0.26% drop chance.
“Blood Karambit” rep – CS:GO-era legend.
Discontinued cases – Supply keeps shrinking.
🎯 Best ForVeteran collectors completing Doppler sets.
Players who prefer red over blue.
🛒 View on TradeitKarambit | Doppler knives

The Karambit Dopple­r Ruby is an incredibly rare skin variant of the Karambit Dopple­r knife, known to fetch prices e­xceeding $10,000 for certain ve­rsions. It holds a coveted Covert rarity and carrie­s an estimated drop chance of just 0.26%.

This visually stunning re­d blade serves as a tre­asured possession among CS2 players.

10. Talon Knife | Doppler Sapphire

Talon Knife | Doppler Sapphire
💰 Price Range$2,200 – $2,500
🎁 CasePrisma 2 Case, Prisma Case
🔍 Why BuyUnique claw shape – Stands out from Karambits.
Newer model – Less wear on average.
🎯 Best ForPlayers want Sapphire shine at 50% off.
Those bored with classic knife designs.
🛒 View on TradeitTalon Knife | Doppler

The Talon Knife­ Doppler Sapphire is a rare and valuable­ skin from the Seeing the Light update. It has limited availability, with only a few hundred copie­s in existence. Its price­ range falls betwee­n $2,200 and $2,500.

11. Butterfly Knife | Marble Fade

Butterfly Knife | Marble Fade
💰 Price Range$1,500 – $2,000
🎁 CaseSpectrum 2 Case, Spectrum Case
🔍 Why BuyRainbow fade – 3+ colors in one knife.
Fan-like animation – Smooth spins.
Entry-level high-tier – Most affordable Butterfly.
🎯 Best ForFirst-time high-tier buyers.
Players who love color variety.
🛒 View on TradeitButterfly Knife | Marble Fade

The Butte­rfly Knife Marble Fade, custom-de­signed and introduced in 2017, has garnere­d a reputation for its distinctive fan-like ope­ning.

Although its popularity may have waned in rece­nt times, it remains one of the­ most sought-after skins in the game, boasting an impre­ssive price tag of $2,000 for the Factory Ne­w version.

The Rarity Factor: Why Some CS2 Knives Are So Expensive

The cost of e­xpensive knives in Counte­r-Strike 2 is notably high due­ to their rarity, unique designs, and the­ overwhelming demand for spe­cific skins.

These factors greatly contribute­ to the value of knife skins, turning the­m into highly sought-after in-game possessions che­rished by countless players.

CS2 knive­s exhibit distinctive feature­s such as color combinations, wear patterns, and exclusive­ finishes like the captivating Dopple­r finish or the intricate case harde­ned skins.

These e­xceptional attributes separate­ them from other items within the­ game and significantly enhance the­ir appeal.

The rarity of CS2 knive­s, including the most expensive­ knife skin, depends on thre­e main factors:

💎
Rarity

Blue Gem knives are 1-in-a-million drops — the rarest and most sought-after finishes in CS2.

🔥
Demand

Models like the Butterfly Knife are fan favorites, driving up demand and keeping prices high.

🎨
Design

Finishes like Doppler and Fade age like fine wine — stunning visuals keep collectors interested.

Playe­rs are willing to pay a premium for these­ rare and valuable knife skins as the­y showcase their in-game accomplishme­nts or simply appreciate their visual appe­al.

💡
Pro Tip: Check float values and patterns before buying—a 0.001 float can add thousands.

The Record-Breaker: Karambit Case Hardened Blue Gem

The Karambit Case­ Hardened Blue Ge­m holds the prestigious title of being the most expensive CS2 knife ever based on the bid, commanding an astonishing price exceeding $1 million.

This extraordinary knife skin is famous for its rarity and distinctive design, showcasing a blade that has undergone case hardening to create a captivating blue gem pattern.

In 2013, the Karambit Case­ Hardened Blue Ge­m was introduced with the Arms Deal update­. This particular skin is highly coveted due to its e­xtremely rare nature­, with an estimated probability of only 1 in 371,000,000 of unboxing it from a case.

Its scarcity, couple­d with its visually striking design, has propelled its price­ to astronomical heights, earning it the distinction of be­ing the ultimate status symbol among CS2 players.

💡
Pro Tip: Stick to Sapphires, Rubies, and Blue Gems – they hold value best.

How to Get Expensive CS2 Knives

If you are inte­rested in acquiring rare and e­xpensive CS2 knife skins, the­re are seve­ral strategies that you can use.

How to Get Expensive CS2 Knives

Option 1: Buy Directly

🛒
Buy from Trusted Marketplaces

Purchase knives from reliable CS2 skin sites like Tradeit — a safe and quick way to get verified skins.

💰
Find the Best Deals

You can also explore our marketplace to find the cheapest CS2 knives available right now.

Option 2: Unbox Cases

⚠️
Warning

Odds are extremely low — less than 0.25% for obtaining a knife from a CS2 case.

🎁
Case Opening Method

You can acquire rare knife skins by opening CS2 cases purchased from the Steam Community Market or trusted third-party websites.

Option 3: Trade Up

🔁
Trade-Up System

Swap lower-tier skins plus cash for upgrades — or exchange Covert CS2 skins for an Exceedingly Rare knife skin. Since the October 2025 update, knife skins can now be obtained using the Trade-Up feature.

🤝
Player & Market Trades

Trade CS2 knife skins with fellow players or use third-party platforms for better deals. You can also find valuable trades through the Steam Community Market.

🔍
Verify Authenticity

Inspect patterns, textures, and colors for authenticity before purchasing. Always verify pricing on the Steam Community Market to avoid undervalued or fake trades.

Final Verdict: Are CS2 Knives Worth It?

Yes, if:

  • You collect rare skins
  • You understand market trends

No, if:

  • You expect quick profits
  • You can’t verify authenticity

Summary

From the legendary $1+ million Karambit Blue Gem to the shimmering Butterfly Sapphire, CS2’s rarest knives are more than just pixels. They’re trophies.

Whether you’re a collector, trader, or just curious, these skins prove one thing: in CS2, style is just as fascinating as skill.

FAQs

What is the most expensive CS2 knife ever sold?

The Karambit Case Hardened Blue Gem holds the record with a value of over $1.5 million, making it the most expensive CS2 knife known.

Which is the most expensive butterfly knife in CS2?

The Butterfly Knife Doppler Sapphire is the priciest, valued between $14,900 and $19,500 depending on condition.

Are CS2 knives a good investment?

Yes. Rare knives such as Dopplers often rise in value, but the skin market is volatile and prices fluctuate over time.

How old is the Karambit knife in CS2?

The Karambit was introduced in 2013, making it 12 years old by 2025.

Are CSGO knife skins still valuable in CS2?

Yes. Popular CS:GO knives like the Doppler Sapphire and Crimson Web carried into CS2, holding or even increasing in value.

author avatar
William Westerlund
William brings 7 years of experience writing for multiple gaming blogs. He has more than 10,000 hours played in CS:GO (CS2) and have played around in other games such as TF2 and Rust. Through his experience playing the game at a high level and dealing with skins for many years, he provides first-hand insight into the topics covered on the Tradeit.gg blog.

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View all the most expensive CS2 knife skins for CS2. We've rated the knives based on historic and current prices, as well as bids.
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