CS:GO and CS2 are home to some of the most valuable digital collectibles in gaming. Among them, CSGO knives hold a special place, with certain skins reaching values that rival luxury items. Collectors constantly ask what is the most expensive knife in CSGO or how much is the most expensive CSGO knife ever sold, and the answers reveal just how far this market has grown.

The worth of these knives depends on rarity, condition, and demand. A Factory New finish, StatTrak version, or rare pattern can turn a popular model like the Karambit or Butterfly into the most expensive CSGO knife skin.

This post ranks the most expensive knives in CS:GO and CS2, from the legendary Karambit Blue Gem to the most expensive Butterfly Knife in CSGO. It also compares them with the cheapest knife types, including the Shadow Daggers in CSGO.

8 Most Expensive Knives in CS:GO/CS2 Ranked

Some CSGO knives are worth a small fortune. Owning even one of the rarest CSGO knife models can mean holding an item worth tens of thousands of dollars. Let’s check out the most expensive CS2 knives and see what makes them so valuable.

1. Karambit | Case Hardened (Blue Gem)

The Karambit | Karambit Case Hardened is already valuable, but the “Blue Gem” pattern is in a league of its own. This is currently the most expensive knife in CSGO 2 and arguably the most expensive CSGO knife ever sold. Case-hardened knives feature a random mix of blue, purple, and gold. The Blue Gem refers to a blade almost entirely blue on the playside.

A Factory New version with the perfect Blue Gem pattern is extremely rare. Collectors view it as the holy grail. As Eugene Bozhenko of DMarket notes, “When a knife skin has a lot of blue on it, this item becomes super valuable.”

• Estimated Value: Over $1.5 million
  
• Key Feature: An almost entirely blue blade pattern
  
• Why it’s expensive: Popular Karambit model combined with the rarest pattern
  

2. M9 Bayonet | Crimson Web (Factory New)

The M9 Bayonet | Crimson Web commands a high price due to its blood-red blade covered with a black spider web, making it one of the most expensive skins. A Factory New version is extremely rare since this finish scratches easily. Minimal Wear versions are more common, but they cannot match the value of pristine Factory New.

Collectors love the sharp contrast of the red blade with the black handle. The number of visible webs can also influence pricing.

• Estimated Value: Upwards of $9,000
  
• Key Feature: A clean red blade with black web patterns
  
• Why it’s expensive: Factory New versions are extremely scarce
  

3. Butterfly Knife | Gamma Doppler Emerald

The Butterfly Knife is famous for stylish animations, and paired with the Gamma Doppler Emerald finish, it becomes one of the most expensive CSGO knife skins. The Emerald phase is a solid, bright green that looks stunning in-game, reminiscent of the allure of a stiletto knife.

This skin is a pure status symbol. Its popularity comes from the knife’s animations and the bold emerald color.

• Estimated Value: $12,000 – $16,000
  
• Key Feature: A vibrant green blade
  
• Why it’s expensive: Rare Emerald Doppler pattern on a highly popular knife
  

4. Karambit | Doppler Sapphire

The Karambit Doppler Sapphire karambit knife is another rare and iconic skin. The Sapphire finish coats the curved Karambit blade in deep, glossy blue. Alongside Ruby and Emerald, Sapphire is one of the most sought-after Doppler phases.

Its popularity stems from the Karambit’s unique design and animations. The rarity of the Sapphire pattern pushes the price even higher.

• Estimated Value: $7,000 – $12,000
  
• Key Feature: Solid gem-like blue blade
  
• Why it’s expensive: Fan-favorite knife paired with a rare Doppler phase

5. Bayonet | Gamma Doppler Emerald

The Bayonet is a classic knife, and the Emerald Doppler finish makes it even more striking. The blade is coated in vibrant green, giving it a bold appearance.

Collectors value the Bayonet for its timeless design, and the Emerald finish elevates its appeal.

• Estimated Value: $4,000 – $8,000
  
• Key Feature: Entire blade in emerald green
  
• Why it’s expensive: Rare Emerald Doppler on a classic knife

6. Butterfly Knife | Marble Fade

The Butterfly Knife Marble Fade is one of the most visually appealing skins. It blends red, blue, and yellow hues across the blade. The rare “Fire and Ice” version, which shows only red and blue, is the most valuable.

The mix of stunning animations and bright colors makes it one of the most expensive butterfly knife CSGO skins.

• Estimated Value: $1,900 – $2,500
  
• Key Feature: Tri-color marble fade pattern
  
• Why it’s expensive: Unique patterns and Butterfly Knife popularity

7. Talon Knife | Doppler Ruby

The Talon Knife resembles the Karambit but offers its own sharp look. With the Doppler Ruby finish, it becomes one of the most expensive CSGO knife skins. The blade’s deep red glow makes it stand out.

Collectors love Ruby finishes for their rarity, and the Talon Knife’s curved design suits the pattern perfectly.

• Estimated Value: $4,500 – $6,000
  
• Key Feature: A gem-like red blade
  
• Why it’s expensive: Rare Ruby phase combined with a fan-favorite knife

8. Butterfly Knife | Lore

The Butterfly Knife Lore combines intricate golden details with the knife’s flashy animations. The blade has a mythical, knotwork-style design that appeals to collectors.

Its mix of elegant design and animation-heavy appeal keeps the price high. For those building gold-themed loadouts, this skin is essential.

• Estimated Value: $800 – $2,600
  
• Key Feature: Golden blade with detailed knotwork
  
• Why it’s expensive: Rare finish paired with a popular knife

Wrapping Up

The answer to what is the most expensive knife in CSGO depends on patterns, rarity, and condition. From the most expensive CSGO knife ever sold, like the Karambit with a curved blade, to classics like the M9 Bayonet Crimson Web, the market continues to rise. Players even compare the cheapest knife in CSGO against these luxury items to see just how wide the price gap can get.

In both CS:GO and CS2, the market for knives remains strong. The most expensive knife in CS2 and CS:GO proves how much players value rarity, prestige, and design. For some, these digital items are more than cosmetics; they are high-value collectibles that hold cultural and financial weight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which knife holds the record for the highest sale price in CS:GO or CS2?

The Karambit | Case Hardened with a “Blue Gem” pattern holds the record. One specific Factory New version with a low float value and the perfect minimal wear condition pattern (387) is considered the most expensive CS knife, with a valuation of over $1.5 million.

Are there rare CS:GO knives more expensive than real luxury knives?

Yes. The top-tier rare knife skin, like the Karambit Blue Gem, carries a price tag in the millions of dollars. This value far exceeds that of many real-world luxury knives and even some supercars, making them unique assets for collectors.

Where can you check the current market price for expensive CS:GO knives?

You can check the current market price for CS knife skins on the Steam Community Market for a baseline. For the rarest knife variations and more accurate pricing, third-party trading platforms and skin marketplaces are the best resources for up-to-date valuations.