Karambit | Case Hardened (Blue Gem #387)
Karambit | Case Hardened
Overview
The flagship of knife skins. “Blue Gem” refers to Case Hardened seeds that place saturated blue across the play side. The #387 seed is the most coveted layout known for near-full blue.
Rarity & source
- Finish: Case Hardened
- Pattern: Randomized seed (0–999); only a handful produce a true full-blue play side.
- Supply: Extremely limited effective supply in top floats; many are locked in collections.
What collectors want
- Paint seed 387 with heavy uninterrupted blue on the play side.
- Float: Factory New (0.06 or lower is exceptional; 0.00X is god-tier).
- Clean handle & spine: fewer gold/purple intrusions on the visible side.
- Provenance: documented owner history, screenshots, and reputation.
How to verify
- Inspect in CS2 to confirm exterior/float.
- From Steam Inventory, Copy Inspect Link to reveal the paint seed via reputable float checkers.
- Validate screenshots taken on neutral maps/lighting; ask for both sides of the blade.
Pricing drivers
- Seed 387 vs. near-gem seeds; FN vs. MW; StatTrak rarity; media visibility.
- “Story value” (featured by notable owners) can swing buyer willingness.
Buying tips
- Always verify the exact seed and both sides.
- Demand uncompressed screenshots and a live inspect.
- Use escrow for six- and seven-figure trades.
AK-47 | Case Hardened (Blue Gem #661)
AK-47 | Case Hardened
Overview
The most famous Blue Gem rifle. Seed #661 paints the iconic solid blue panel on the AK’s play side—a layout universally recognized by collectors.
Rarity & source
- Finish: Case Hardened
- Random seed; only a few produce the 661 “plate.”
- FN 661s are extremely scarce; many are permanently hoarded.
Collector criteria
- Paint seed 661, ideally Factory New (0.00X–0.06).
- Minimal discoloration on the play side; deep, saturated blue.
- No distracting stickers unless they’re ultra-premium crafts that add value.
Verification checklist
- Inspect float, copy link, confirm seed=661.
- Request sunlight/neutral lighting screenshots and video spin.
Pricing drivers
- 661 layout purity; float; crafts (e.g., four-sticker lineups); provenance/press.
Buying tips
- Confirm the receiver area is the proper blue “plate,” not mixed blue/purple.
- For six-figure+ deals, use a reputable middleman/escrow and record the process.
Souvenir AWP | Dragon Lore (FN)
Overview
A legendary AWP from the discontinued Cobblestone line. Souvenir Dlores with Major signatures are the prestige play for AWP collectors.
Rarity & source
- Source: Souvenir packages tied to pro events when Cobblestone was in the pool.
- Today: No regular new supply; existing pieces define the market.
Collector criteria
- Souvenir + Factory New is peak; strong signature combos matter.
- Clean, centered scope art and minimal wear on the dragon art.
Verification checklist
- Confirm Souvenir quality (not standard).
- Validate sticker authenticity and placement.
- Double-check float and any high-value signature combos.
Pricing drivers
- FN vs. MW; event/signature pedigree; market visibility of comps.
Buying tips
- For top-end Souvenir, expect thin liquidity and long negotiation cycles.
- Ask for a full history and proof of the Souvenir drop/capsule lineage.
Butterfly Knife | Doppler (Sapphire / Ruby / Black Pearl)
Overview
Butterfly + Doppler gem phases are perennially in demand thanks to the knife’s animations and flashy finishes.
Rarity & source
- Finish: Doppler (Phases P1–P4) plus Ruby, Sapphire, Black Pearl rare phases.
- Ruby and Sapphire are the mainstream “gem” look; Black Pearl is the rarest Doppler variant.
Collector criteria
- Gem phases (Ruby/Sapphire), Factory New floats, symmetrical marbling.
- Centered patterns on both sides; minimal dark streaking.
Verification checklist
- Inspect both sides; confirm the phase (look across lighting).
- Ensure no heavy discoloration near the tip or along the spine.
Pricing drivers
- Phase (gem > P1–P4), float, StatTrak, supply per knife type.
- Butterfly enjoys a popularity multiplier versus other knife bases.
Buying tips
- Ask for consistent lighting photos; Dopplers can look different under various light.
AWP | Gungnir (FN)
AWP | Gungnir
Overview
A high-mythic AWP from the Norse Collection with intricate, icy blue design work.
Rarity & source
- Collection drop with no active widespread supply; high-end floats are scarce.
- Long-term holders reduce available circulation.
Collector criteria
- Factory New with strong color uniformity and crisp detail.
- Clean barrel and scope areas—scratches stand out on lighter designs.
Verification checklist
- Inspect float and check for edge wear on the scope and barrel.
- Request high-res screenshots; pale palettes can mask dings.
Pricing drivers
- FN vs. MW; overall color vividness; market availability at time of search.
Buying tips
- Be patient—great copies surface intermittently; consider alerts/watchlists.
Specialist Gloves | Crimson Kimono (FN)
Specialist Gloves | Crimson Kimono
Overview
Among the most iconic gloves in CS2. The appeal is all about red coverage and contrast on the backhand and fingertips.
Rarity & source
- Gloves are case/collection gated; FN glove floats are rare.
- True high-red pairs with low floats are comparatively few.
Collector criteria
- Factory New (sub-0.06) with heavy red saturation on both gloves.
- Matching hands (symmetry) and minimal fabric fray.
Verification checklist
- Inspect in neutral light; compare both gloves side-by-side.
- Look closely at seams, fingertips, and stitched panels.
Pricing drivers
- Red coverage pattern, float, glove condition symmetry.
- Size of active listings (gloves market can be thin for top tiers).
Buying tips
- Ask for macro screenshots of seams; tiny blemishes matter at this tier.
M9 Bayonet | Crimson Web (FN, esp. StatTrak)
M9 Bayonet | Crimson Web
Overview
A classic that rewards web coverage and web density. On M9, full, centered webs with clean lines carry a serious premium.
Rarity & source
- Finish: Crimson Web (multi-layer stencil).
- Factory New Crimson Web knives are notoriously rare.
Collector criteria
- Full/centered webs on the play side, clean tip, minimal bleed.
- Factory New; StatTrak FN is ultra-scarce and highly chased.
Verification checklist
- Get straight-on, high-res photos of both sides.
- Check for tip wear—it’s the first place damage shows.
Pricing drivers
- Web layout & density, float, StatTrak, base knife popularity (M9 is strong).
Buying tips
- The best M9 CWs are often privately traded—expect negotiation and proof chains.
Karambit | Doppler (Ruby / Sapphire)
Overview
A gem-phase take on the most popular knife silhouette in CS2.
Rarity & source
- Doppler with Ruby (red) and Sapphire (blue) rare phases.
- Black Pearl exists but is rarer and visually darker; many buyers chase bright gems.
Collector criteria
- Gem phase + FN; balanced color and minimal dark blotches.
- Clean ring area and tip.
Verification checklist
- Confirm phase via multiple lighting conditions.
- Inspect the ring edge (frequent wear point).
Pricing drivers
- Phase rarity, float, and overall phase uniformity; Karambit demand multiplier.
Buying tips
- Ask for video spins—Karambits are judged heavily on in-hand animation.
Butterfly Knife | Gamma Doppler (incl. Emerald)
Butterfly Knife | Gamma Doppler
Overview
Gamma Doppler adds the Emerald phase to the Doppler family—often considered the “green Sapphire.”
Rarity & source
- Phases similar to Doppler but with Gamma palette; Emerald is the grail.
- Butterfly + Emerald is a collector favorite.
Collector criteria
- Emerald FN or top Gamma phases with clean marbling.
- Minimal dark banding across the center.
Verification checklist
- Cross-check in neutral lighting; Emerald should look deep, consistent green.
- Validate both sides and spine.
Pricing drivers
- Emerald vs. other Gamma phases; float; Butterfly demand premium.
Buying tips
- Emerald listings are thin; be quick with serious offers.
Karambit | Gamma Doppler (incl. Emerald)
Karambit | Gamma Doppler
Overview
The Karambit Emerald is among the most recognizable green gems in CS2.
Rarity & source
- Gamma Doppler with Emerald peak phase.
- Limited top-float supply; heavy long-term holding.
Collector criteria
- Emerald + FN; even color distribution.
- Clean outer ring and tip.
Verification checklist
- Inspect under a flat, bright light; Emerald should not skew gray.
- Request macro shots of the ring.
Pricing drivers
- Emerald status, float, base knife desirability (Karambit = top tier).
Buying tips
- Expect comp offers on true FN Emeralds; sellers know their leverage.
Specialist Gloves | Crimson Web
Specialist Gloves | Crimson Web
Overview
The glove companion to Crimson Web knives; valued for bold red panels and strong web alignment.
Rarity & source
- Web patterns vary; FN copies are scarce.
- High-red, high-web gloves are rarer than they seem at first glance.
Collector criteria
- Factory New and cohesive webbing across both gloves.
- Minimal seam fray; consistent dye across fingers and palm.
Verification checklist
- Side-by-side photos; look for panel mismatch.
- Inspect cuffs and fingertips for micro scuffs.
Pricing drivers
- Web clarity, red saturation, float, and pair symmetry.
Buying tips
- Ask for front/back of both gloves—sellers often show only the backhand.
Hydra Gloves | Emerald
Overview
Green-dominant gloves that pair brilliantly with Emerald knives (Karambit/Butterfly Gamma Doppler).
Rarity & source
- Desirable green paneling; FN pairs are uncommon.
- Often matched in “emerald” themed loadouts.
Collector criteria
- Factory New, deep green coverage across both gloves.
- Balanced shade; avoid washed-out panels.
Verification checklist
- Neutral-light photos of both gloves, palms included.
- Check for fade or uneven green.
Pricing drivers
- Color saturation, float, match quality with your knife.
Buying tips
- If you own an Emerald knife, bring it to the inspect to color-match before buying.
Ursus Knife | Crimson Web (bonus)
Overview
A more affordable CW entry compared to M9/Karambit, but great patterns still command premiums.
Collector criteria
- Centered webs on play side, Factory New preferred.
- Clean spine and tip.
Buying tips
- Use the same web density and centered layout standards from M9 CW.
Valuation:
- Exterior (float): FN 0.00X–0.06 > MW 0.07–0.15 > FT, etc.
- Pattern/phase: Blue Gem seeds (Karambit #387, AK #661), Doppler gem phases (Ruby/Sapphire), Gamma Emerald, strong Crimson Web layouts.
- Variant: StatTrak and Souvenir premiums.
- Stickers/crafts: Kato 2014 holos and clean 4X crafts can add serious value to rifles.
- Comps: Check recent public sales and reputable marketplace snapshots (don’t rely solely on asks).
- Liquidity: The rarer the item, the thinner the market—expect longer negotiation windows.
