
Ever wondered why virtual knives sell for thousands? It’s simple: rarity, demand, and unique designs. CS2 knives are status symbols—some even rival real-world luxury items.
- Knife skins have retained their elite status since transitioning from CS:GO to CS2. CSGO knife skins like the Karambit Blue Gem set the benchmark for rarity, and today’s knives continue that legacy
- The Karambit Case Hardened Blue Gem holds the title for the most expensive CS2 knife ever, with an approximate value exceeding $1.5 million.
- This article presents an introduction to the top 11 most expensive knife skins in CS2. It covers various aspects, including their prices, rarity, and noteworthy features like customizations and counterfeits that significantly influence the market.
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)

💰 Price Range | $1,500,000+ |
🔍 Why Buy | Ultimate flex – The rarest pattern (only 13 exist). 0% gold – Pure blue/purple gem finish. Appreciates yearly – Historical +$200K value jumps. |
🎯 Best For | Collectors aiming for the #1 CS2 status symbol. Investors with deep pockets. |
🛒 View on Tradeit | Karambit | Case Hardened skins |
The Karambit | Case Hardened Blue Gem—one of the most iconic CSGO knife skins now holds the title for the most expensive CS2 knife ever, with bids exceeding $ 1.5 M.
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 $1,500,000. 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

💰 Price Range | $15,500 – $26,000 |
🎁 Case | Spectrum 2 Case, Spectrum Case |
🔍 Why Buy | Hypnotic sapphire shine – Color shifts in light. Butterfly animation – Smooth inspect motions. Liquidity – Easy to resell (high demand). |
🎯 Best For | Traders who flip high-tier knives. Streamers want eye-catching pulls. |
🛒 View on Tradeit | Butterfly Knife | Doppler. |
The Butterfly Knife Doppler Sapphire holds the title as one of the most expensive skins in CS2, ranging in price from $15,500 to $26,000. This rare beauty is a true gem, with only limited quantities found across different markets.
3. Skeleton Knife | Crimson Web

💰 Price Range | $608 – $26,200 |
🎁 Case | Fracture Case, Shattered Web Case |
🔍 Why Buy | Spider-web aesthetic – Edgy, dark red/black contrast. ST FN variants hit $25K+ (rare pattern-dependent). Lightweight – Minimal screen obstruction. |
🎯 Best For | Players who prefer slim knives. Bargain hunters (MW starts at $600). |
🛒 View on Tradeit | Skeleton 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 $1,200+, making it a prized possession for any avid CS2 player.
You can get an FN Skeleton Knife | Crimson Web at $4,150, but an ST with a rare pattern can reach above $25,000.
4. Butterfly Knife | Gamma Doppler Emerald

💰 Price Range | $17,500 – $23,000 |
🎁 Case | Dreams & Nightmares Case, Operation Riptide Case |
🔍 Why Buy | Radioactive green glow – Brightest Doppler variant. Rarer than Sapphire – Only ~150 exist in FN condition. Stable value – Less volatile than Ruby/Black Pearl. |
🎯 Best For | Players who love vibrant colors. Those avoiding “overhyped” Sapphires. |
🛒 View on Tradeit | Butterfly 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

💰 Price Range | $9,100 – $17,500 |
🎁 Case | Chroma 2 Case, Chroma 3 Case, Chroma Case |
🔍 Why Buy | Classic Karambit shape – Fan-favorite since CS:GO. 0.0001% unbox odds for ST FN. Matches agent skins (e.g., blue Phoenix). |
🎯 Best For | OG players nostalgic for early CS:GO knives. Investors (Chroma cases discontinued). |
🛒 View on Tradeit | Karambit | 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

💰 Price Range | $9,750 – $19,000 |
🎁 Case | Gamma 2 Case, Gamma Case |
🔍 Why Buy | Larger blade – More visible than Karambits. Emerald’s “toxic” hue – Unique among Dopplers. Undervalued? – Priced lower than Butterfly equivalent. |
🎯 Best For | Players who want maximum in-game presence. Savvy buyers spotting price gaps. |
🛒 View on Tradeit | M9 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 $9,750 to $19,000, 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

💰 Price Range | $8,500 – $16,500 |
🎁 Case | Gamma 2 Case, Gamma Case |
🔍 Why Buy | Smoke-like pattern – More dynamic than standard Doppler. “Emerald Dream” combo – Pairs with green gloves. Float-sensitive – <0.01 adds $3K+ premium. |
🎯 Best For | Players building green-themed loadouts. Float collectors chasing perfect 0.00x. |
🛒 View on Tradeit | Karambit | Gamma Doppler |
Priced at $8,500 for a MW exterior, the Karambit Gamma Doppler Emerald holds the distinction of being a rare and highly coveted knife skin in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
Its captivating visual aspect is derived from a unique pattern resembling ethereal wisps of smoke.
8. M9 Bayonet | Doppler Ruby

💰 Price Range | $6,850 – $15,700 |
🎁 Case | Chroma 2 Case, Chroma 3 Case, Chroma Case |
🔍 Why Buy | Blood-red blade – Bold alternative to Sapphire. ST FN hits $12K+ – Rare StatTrak versions. Matches red agents (e.g., Elite Crew). |
🎯 Best For | Aggressive playstyles (fits T-side vibes). Players who think Sapphires are “overdone”. |
🛒 View on Tradeit | M9 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. In the Factory New condition, the StatTrack Karambit Doppler Rubin version of this skin is valued at approximately $12,855.
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

💰 Price Range | $6,890 – $12,100 |
🎁 Case | Chroma 2 Case, Chroma 3 Case, Chroma Case |
🔍 Why Buy | Covert rarity – Only 0.26% drop chance. “Blood Karambit” rep – CS:GO-era legend. Discontinued cases – Supply keeps shrinking. |
🎯 Best For | Veteran collectors completing Doppler sets. Players who prefer red over blue. |
🛒 View on Tradeit | Karambit | Doppler knives |
The Karambit Doppler Ruby is an incredibly rare skin variant of the Karambit Doppler knife, known to fetch prices exceeding $12,000 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

💰 Price Range | $5,000 – $9,200 |
🎁 Case | Prisma 2 Case, Prisma Case |
🔍 Why Buy | Unique claw shape – Stands out from Karambits. “Budget Sapphire” – Half the price of Butterfly. Newer model – Less wear on average. |
🎯 Best For | Players wanting Sapphire shine at 50% off. Those bored of classic knife designs. |
🛒 View on Tradeit | Talon 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 $5,000 and $9,200.
11. Butterfly Knife | Marble Fade

💰 Price Range | $1,900 – $3,200 |
🎁 Case | Spectrum 2 Case, Spectrum Case |
🔍 Why Buy | Rainbow fade – 3+ colors in one knife. Fan-like animation – Smooth spins. Entry-level high-tier – Most affordable Butterfly. |
🎯 Best For | First-time high-tier buyers. Players who love color variety. |
🛒 View on Tradeit | Butterfly 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 $3,000 for the Factory New version.
The Rarity Factor: Why Some CS2 Knives Are So Expensive
The cost of expensive knives in Counter-Strike Global Offensive 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 (e.g., Blue Gems are 1-in-a-million drops).
- Demand (Butterfly knives are fan favorites).
- Design (Doppler finishes age like fine wine).
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.
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 $1.5 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.
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.

Option 1: Buy Directly
- One approach is to purchase them from trustworthy CS2 skin websites like Tradeit, where you can buy CS2 skins quickly and safely.
- However, don’t worry, you will also find all the cheapest CS2 knives in our marketplace.
Option 2: Unbox Cases
- Warning: Odds are <0.25% for a knife.
- One way to acquire valuable CS2 knife skins is by opening cases. These cases can be purchased from the Steam Community Market or third-party websites. When you open a case, there is a possibility of obtaining a rare and expensive knife skin, although the chances may not be very high.
- Many of today’s rarest CS2 knives started as CSGO knife skins in older cases. To snag one, try:
- Opening CS:GO Weapon Cases (still usable in CS2).
- Trading up from the CS:GO era skins.
Option 3: Trade Up
- Swap lower-tier skins + cash for upgrades.
- Lastly, one effective method is to trade CS2 knife skins. Engaging with fellow players or utilizing third-party websites can provide favorable opportunities. Additionally, the Steam Community Market offers a platform to secure the best deals.
- To ensure authenticity, carefully inspect patterns, textures, and colors for any inconsistencies. It is also advisable to consult the Steam Community Market for accurate pricing information to avoid undervalued purchases.
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 $1.5M 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 deadly as skill.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most expensive Counter-Strike: Global Offensive knife ever sold is still unknown, but the Karambit Case Hardened skin has the prize for the highest bid. Presently, this skin holds a staggering value of over $1.5 million.
The most costly butterfly knife skin available in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is the Butterfly Knife Doppler Sapphire. Currently, its price ranges between $14,900 and $19,500.
Rare skins (e.g., Dopplers) often appreciate, but the market fluctuates.
Introduced in 2013 (12 years old in 2025).
Absolutely! CSGO knives like the Doppler Sapphire or Crimson Web retained their value—and even appreciated—after the CS2 update.
Other Topics You Might Be Interested In
- The most popular website to trade CS2 items.
- The highest-rated platform to buy CS2 items.
- Learn how to sell CS2 skins for PayPal.