Best Butterfly Knife Skins: Top 10 List

A custom-designed balisong or a butterfly knife can be outlawed in many countries. But in Counter-Strike, it is more than just a weapon; it is a coveted treasure among players. A fan-like opening and a freely pivoting blade allowing rapid deployment are just some characteristics of why so many players long for this knife.

The CS2 butterfly knife first appeared in CS:GO in July 2014. Later, it became one of the most wanted and used in-game knives in the community. The cosmetic finishes for Butterfly Knife CS:GO and CS2 are ones that collectors from all over the world pay big money to have in their Steam inventory.

If you’re looking to expand your CS2 inventory with some new Butterfly Knife skins, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore together what the best butterfly knife skins CS2 offers are.

Also, remember, that if you want to add any of the skins on this list to your inventory, you can always check out SkinsMonkey, a CS trading site where you can trade CS2 skins at the best prices!

Key Takeaways:

• Butterfly Knife skins are some of the most expensive knife skins in CS2
• The best Butterfly Knife skins include the Damascus Steel, Marble Fade, Fade, Doppler and Case Hardened
• Some of the best Butterfly Knife skins can cost a couple of thousand dollars
• If you want to get your hands on the best Butterfly Knife skins in CS2 you should use third-party trading sites

Top 10 Butterfly Knife CS2 Skins

One of the most popular knives in the game, the Butterfly has such a wide range of cosmetics that simply choosing the best skins out of them all is no easy task. Here are the picks our editors rate highest:

10. Butterfly Knife | Damascus Steel

★ Butterfly Knife | Damascus Steel from $901.36Check price

First on our list is the Butterfly knife Damascus Steel skin, which you can obtain from the Spectrum or Spectrum 2 Case. It was first added to CS:GO in March 2017, and today it’s available from $901.36 on SkinsMonkey. While it’s expensive, it’s still one of the best white skins in the game.

If you’re looking for the best Butterfly Knife skins that you can add to your inventory, the Damascus Steel is a perfect choice for any player looking for a more realistic aesthetic for their CS2 inventory. With a silver grip and a gray metallic blade it’s a perfect style for anyone who wants to look like a real military operator.

• Flavor text: Finally, a weapon strong enough to match your resolve
• Price on SkinsMonkey: $901.36–$1,137.76
• Drops from case: Spectrum & Spectrum 2 case
• First added: March 15th, 2017

9. Butterfly Knife | Marble Fade

★ Butterfly Knife | Marble Fade from $1,784.33Check price

The Marble Fade, or the Rainbow Fade, as many know, first came to CS:GO back in March 2017. If you are not up to opening hundreds of Spectrum and Spectrum 2 Cases, you can get a Butterfly Knife Marble Fade from $1,784.33 on SkinsMonkey.

While many players consider it too flashy, its awesome colors can definitely stand out in a match. Still, if you want your enemies to clearly see the blade you’re killing them with, Marble Fade is the best Butterfly Knife skin for that!

• Flavor text: The blade is made of many colors, but soon it all looks red
• Price on SkinsMonkey: $1,784.33–$1,837.16
• Drops from case: Spectrum & Spectrum 2 case
• First added: March 15th, 2017

8. Butterfly Knife | Slaughter

★ Butterfly Knife | Slaughter from $1,590.57Check price

The Butterfly Slaughter, known for its striking metallic red and black color scheme, was one of the original knife skins that Valve added back in July 2014 and is, to this day, one of the best red skins for knives in CS2. This knife can be found in the Operation Breakout Weapon Case or bought from $1,590.57 on SkinsMonkey.

The Slaughter Butterfly Knife is adorned with red and crimson streaks, making it look like it’s been dipped into someone’s guts. If you want the best Butterfly knife that could complete your deadly loadout, Slaughter is your best choice.

• Flavor text: Valeria doesn’t pay Javier to ask questions… she pays him to pry out answers
• Price on SkinsMonkey: $1,590.57–$1,850.08
• Drops from case: Operation Breakout Weapon Case
• First added: July 1st, 2014

7. Butterfly Knife | Doppler

★ Butterfly Knife | Doppler from $2,865.65Check price

The skin can be unboxed from the Spectrum and Spectrum 2 cases. However, the Doppler skins can come in many different variants, known as Doppler phases, which greatly affect the price. A close relative, the Butterfly Knife Gamma Doppler, is a separate finish that is just as sought-after, known for its vibrant emerald hues and intricate patterns.

There are four Butterfly Doppler phases plus three special colorways: Ruby (full red), Sapphire (full blue), and Black Pearl (black, purple). Some phases are worth more than others: the regular phases cost a few thousand dollars, while Ruby, Sapphire and Black Pearl copies cost far more. This should come as no surprise though, considering that it’s one of the best Butterfly Knife skins in the game.

• Flavor text: Getting lost in its color can prove fatal
• Price on SkinsMonkey: $2,865.65–$16,760.12
• Drops from case: Spectrum & Spectrum 2 case
• First added: March 15th, 2017

6. Butterfly Knife | Lore

★ Butterfly Knife | Lore from $684.62Check price

One of the newer Butterfly knives on our list, the Butterfly Lore came out in September 2021. This knife drops from the Operation Riptide Case and the Dreams & Nightmares Case. You can also get this gold-painted knife from $684.62 on SkinsMonkey, although the cheapest copies are heavily worn.

Still, it can be a great addition to any inventory that wants to feel luxurious. While there aren’t too many gold skins in CS2, this one is exquisite, and will definitely enhance your inventory and make you feel like you’re holding a piece of a golden ornament. The Lore Butterfly Knife is one of the best Butterfly Knife skins for those who want to really show off.

• Flavor text: None
• Price on SkinsMonkey: $684.62–$2,593.53
• Drops from case: Operation Riptide & Dreams & Nightmares case
• First added: September 21st, 2021

Also read: Best CS2 Gold Skins

5. Butterfly Knife | Black Laminate

★ Butterfly Knife | Black Laminate from $749.11Check price

The Black Laminate is one of the Butterfly knife skins that looks great even at higher float values. The worse condition the knife is in, the more the black sticks out, making it one of the best black skins you can get for a knife at a relatively low price. On SkinsMonkey, the Butterfly Knife Black Laminate costs $749.11–$1,129.32, depending on wear.

If you’re looking for the best Butterfly Knife skin that will give your loadout a deadly makeover, you can’t miss the Black Laminate. While it’s not the cheapest on this list, at this price tag it’s an absolute steal.

• Flavor text: None
• Price on SkinsMonkey: $749.11–$1,129.32
• Drops from case: Operation Riptide & Dreams & Nightmares case
• First added: September 21st, 2021

4. Butterfly Knife | Autotronic

★ Butterfly Knife | Autotronic from $897.84Check price

Another great Butterfly Knife skin on our list is the Autotronic, which appeared in the game in September 2021. You can open Operation Riptide or Dreams and Nightmares cases to obtain one. On SkinsMonkey, it costs $897.84–$1,820.27, with Factory New and Minimal Wear copies at the top of that range. The red stands out more in better condition, so consider spending more if you plan to own a Butterfly Knife Autotronic of your own.

The Autotronic Butterfly Knife adds a bit of flair to your standard Butterfly Knife, without overdoing it. The black handle creates a pretty color scheme together with the silver blade and red details.

• Flavor text: None
• Price on SkinsMonkey: $897.84–$1,820.27
• Drops from case: Operation Riptide & Dreams & Nightmares case
• First added: September 21st, 2021

3. Butterfly Knife | Scorched

★ Butterfly Knife | Scorched from $615.26Check price

The Butterfly Scorched is one of the cheapest Butterfly Knife skins you can get (see also our list of the cheapest knife skins). It was included in the July 2014 update, and you can find it in the Operation Breakout Weapon Case. On SkinsMonkey, it costs $615.26–$1,551.31, depending on wear.

While the weathered look might not be for everyone, some players enjoy the aesthetic. It looks like the weapon has just been pulled from the ashes. It’s one of the best Butterfly Knife skins if you want to look like a rugged survivor.

• Flavor text: The Phoenix is not a symbol of destruction… it’s a symbol of rebirth – Valeria Jenner, Revolutionary
• Price on SkinsMonkey: $615.26–$1,551.31
• Drops from case: Operation Breakout Weapon Case
• First added: July 1st, 2014

Also check out: More CS2 Skin Guides

2. Butterfly Knife | Tiger Tooth

★ Butterfly Knife | Tiger Tooth from $1,464.15Check price

The Butterfly Tiger Tooth came into the CS:GO scene in March 2017. You can unbox one from the Spectrum or Spectrum 2 Case, or get one from $1,464.15 on SkinsMonkey. The money is well spent if you’re looking for the best yellow skins for this knife.

The dual-tone handle, combined with the knife’s intricate animations, makes pulling it out every time a sight to behold. While it’s not the cheapest on this list, it’s certainly worth it if you’re looking for the best Butterfly Knife skins.

• Flavor text: Like the tiger it is rare… like the tiger it is deadly…
• Price on SkinsMonkey: $1,464.15–$1,507.48
• Drops from case: Spectrum & Spectrum 2 case
• First added: March 15th, 2017

1. Butterfly Knife | Case Hardened

★ Butterfly Knife | Case Hardened from $911.91Check price

The Butterfly Case Hardened skin is one of the few knife skins for which the pattern matters when it comes to price. Case Hardened skins also feature an extremely expensive variant, called the blue gem knife. These rare blue gem variants can be worth tens of thousands of dollars, and are generally considered to be the best Butterfly Knife skins.

Regular Butterfly Case Hardened copies start from $911.91 on SkinsMonkey, while blue gem patterns cost many times more. If you want to own one of the best Case Hardened skins in the game, it can be worth it, especially, since the Butterfly Knife variant is still on the lower end of the price range for Case Hardened skins.

• Flavor text: A little color never hurt anyone
• Price on SkinsMonkey: $911.91–$1,985.03
• Drops from case: Operation Breakout Weapon Case
• First added: July 1st, 2014

What is the Butterfly Knife Command in CS2?

CS2 knife commands allow you to test different knives on practice maps. There are several commands that you will need to type in the console.

First, start a practice match and enter sv_cheats 1, then mp_drop_knife_enable 1. Drop your current knife, and lastly, type subclass_create 515. The Butterfly Knife spawns on the ground in front of you, so just pick it up.

This way, you can try out a Butterfly Knife in a practice match or on your private CS2 server.

How to Get Butterfly Knife for Free?

One way to get Butterfly Knives for free is by participating in CS2 giveaways, where you can score free CS2 skins. They are regularly organized on CS2 (CS:GO) skin trading platforms, such as SkinsMonkey, where you can enter free daily, weekly, and monthly giveaways with your Steam login. The monthly draws can even include knives, so you could land one of the best Butterfly Knives. Owning a rare Butterfly Knife can make you feel like an arms dealer in training, adding a sense of prestige to your collection.

Market Trends and Prices

The market for Butterfly Knife skins in CS2 is highly dynamic, with prices fluctuating based on rarity, demand, and supply. Knife prices fell sharply after Valve’s October 2025 update, which lets players trade up five Covert skins into a knife or gloves, so older price quotes for these knives are often far too high. The most expensive Butterfly Knife skins, such as the Doppler Ruby, can still cost over $10,000 in Factory New, and the Gamma Doppler Emerald several thousand dollars (as of October 2026), which makes them highly sought-after among collectors and players.

Prices for Butterfly Knife skins can vary greatly. For instance, popular skins like the Butterfly Knife Tiger Tooth and Butterfly Knife Marble Fade typically range from $1,000 to $3,000. On the other hand, some of the most expensive CS2 skins, such as the Butterfly Knife Doppler Ruby (over $10,000) and Sapphire (several thousand dollars), cost far more.

Wear also significantly influences a skin’s price. Skins with a lower float value, such as Minimal Wear, are generally more expensive than those with a higher float value, like Field-Tested. This is because lower float values indicate less wear and tear, making the skin appear newer and more desirable.

The availability of weapon cases also plays a crucial role in the market. Cases like the Operation Breakout Weapon Case and the Operation Riptide Case are among the few that can drop Butterfly Knife skins, which keeps them in demand among players. The scarcer the case, the higher the potential value of the skins it contains.

Players and collectors looking to buy or sell the best Butterfly Knife skins should stay informed about current market trends and prices to make well-informed decisions. Also, make sure you check out our CS2 knife trading guide!

What Cases Have Butterfly Knife in CS2?

As we mentioned, the butterfly knife was introduced to CS:GO back in July 2014. Today, there are five butterfly knife cases CS2 has where players can unbox a butterfly knife:

• the Operation Breakout Weapon Case,
• the Spectrum Case,
• the Spectrum 2 Case,
• the Operation Riptide Case,
• and the Dreams and Nightmares Case.

Keep in mind that CS2 cases with Butterfly knives inside often cost more than regular cases, because the knife inside is so sought-after. That is because the Butterfly Knife is, to this day, one of the most expensive CS2 knives.

How to Get a Butterfly Knife in CS2?

Like other skins, the Butterfly Knife can be obtained in three main ways:

1. Opening Weapon Cases

One way to score a Butterfly Knife is to hunt for the best CS2 cases and open them with CS2 case keys. Although you have a chance to obtain one of the best Butterfly Knife skins this way, the chances are extremely low. According to the CS2 case odds Valve disclosed in 2017, a rare special item like a knife drops from only about 0.26% of cases, so you’d probably have to open a lot of them to get one. To make matters worse, you’ll receive a random Butterfly Knife from the case pool, and won’t be able to land the exact skins you want.

2. Steam Community Market

The Steam client features an integrated trading feature, where players can buy and sell CS2 skins through the Community Market. And while this feature is very convenient and quick to use, Valve takes a cut of every transaction made on the market, meaning that you won’t be able to get the best prices on your CS2 skins.

3. SkinsMonkey

If you’re planning to trade CS2 skins, you should consider using a CS trading site, like SkinsMonkey. Our website allows you to trade CS2 skins easily, anywhere, anytime. All you need is to log in with your Steam account, trade CS2 skins, and accept a trade offer from our bot. You can easily trade CS skins that you don’t need, and refresh your inventory with the best Butterfly Knife skins.

Final Verdict

As you can see, the Butterfly Knife is a beautiful piece of weaponry, but getting one of your own can cost you a small fortune. While it’s up to you to decide whether you think it’s worth it, the best Butterfly Knife skins will elevate your game.

If you enjoyed this guide, make sure you check out some of our other articles:

• Most Expensive AWP Skins
• Best Glock Skins in CS2
• Best M9 Bayonet Skins
• Best White CS2 Knives
• Cheapest AK-47 Skins

See More of the Best Skins For…

• 5 Best Nova Skins in CS2
• 15 Best USP-S Skins in CS2
• 10 Best Glock Skins in CS2
• 12 Best AK-47 Skins in CS2
• Best Karambit Skins in CS2

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