Karambit Fade knives rank among the most expensive skins in CS2. You see their appeal in the distinct blend of pink, purple, and yellow tones, which give each knife a bright and recognizable look, but high prices often place them beyond many players’ budgets.
You also need to understand how pattern seeds affect value. Each pattern changes the fade percentage, and even small differences can raise or lower the market price. When you learn how these percentages work, you can better judge which Karambit Fade patterns stand out and why some versions command a premium.
Karambit Fade Patterns Explained
You judge a Karambit Fade by its color distribution, pattern index, and float value. These three factors determine how the knife looks in-game and how the market values it.
Color balance controls how much pink, purple, and yellow appear across the blade. A high fade percentage often means more pink and less purple, but the exact ratio can vary widely. For example:
| Fade % | Pink | Purple | Yellow |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99% | 90% | 9% | 1% |
Some buyers prefer stronger pink coverage, while others prioritize smooth transitions.
The pattern index directly sets this color ratio. Two knives with the same listed fade percentage can still look different because their pattern seeds shift how colors sit on the blade. Always inspect the specific pattern before you commit.
Float value affects surface condition. Lower floats keep the finish clean and glossy, while higher floats introduce visible wear that reduces visual clarity.
Karambit Fade Patterns (Percentages)
Karambit Fade patterns depend on how pink, purple, and yellow distribute across the blade. The percentage measures how much of the knife shows the desirable pink-to-yellow transition instead of solid purple.
Higher percentages mean more pink and less purple. Lower percentages shift the blade toward a darker purple tone with minimal yellow.
100% Fade Patterns
A true 100% Fade shows a 90/10 split between pink and yellow, with no visible purple on the blade. You get a clean gradient that runs almost entirely through pink into yellow.
Collectors treat these as top-tier patterns. The visual difference between 100% and 99% can be small, but the market still places a premium on perfect percentages.
Recognized 100% pattern indexes:
16, 129, 146, 152, 241, 281, 292, 332, 344, 359, 393, 412, 541, 602, 628, 649, 673, 688, 701, 743, 777, 792, 918, 994
When you shop for one, confirm the pattern index directly. Do not rely on the seller’s title alone.
99% and 98% Fade Variants
These patterns introduce a small amount of purple, usually around 1%, while maintaining roughly 90% pink and 9% yellow. Most players will not notice the difference during gameplay.
Despite the minimal visual change, prices remain high. You still pay a strong premium compared to lower fade tiers.
99% pattern indexes include:
8, 14, 32, 48, 58, 108, 112, 126, 182, 188, 202, 204, 213, 230, 233, 243, 252, 274, 337, 340, 356, 378, 405, 444, 452, 454, 457, 471, 522, 578, 607, 614, 621, 631, 652, 653, 660, 683, 685, 702, 705, 728, 732, 736, 761, 770, 773, 780, 787, 795, 803, 826, 832, 867, 873, 874, 876, 908, 923, 949, 971, 982, 988, 1000
98% pattern indexes include:
5, 68, 121, 149, 156, 165, 171, 177, 178, 206, 238, 287, 370, 406, 461, 493, 499, 516, 539, 545, 546, 589, 591, 637, 655, 656, 672, 696, 706, 764, 766, 817, 844, 854, 868, 922, 959, 966, 977, 997
If you care about appearance over technical perfection, these offer nearly the same look as a 100% Fade.
97–90% Fade Range
This bracket covers a wide portion of the market. Purple becomes more noticeable, and yellow starts to shrink as the percentage drops.
Around 97%, the blade still shows strong pink coverage. By 90%, you often see a 90/5/5-type balance, where pink dominates but purple and yellow appear in similar amounts.
Below is a breakdown of pattern indexes by percentage:
| Fade % | Pattern Indexes |
|---|---|
| 97% | 27, 28, 90, 195, 232, 329, 351, 372, 397, 402, 404, 441, 459, 473, 483, 537, 553, 559, 561, 590, 626, 632, 710, 725, 727, 753, 756, 785, 791, 805, 809, 810, 818, 858, 941, 962, 972, 976 |
| 96% | 9, 60, 71, 110, 125, 183, 196, 203, 216, 222, 234, 254, 266, 307, 309, 315, 321, 328, 333, 400, 448, 485, 496, 506, 535, 582, 647, 674, 691, 869, 909, 930, 931, 948, 980, 989 |
| 95% | 3, 62, 98, 138, 148, 170, 304, 334, 354, 364, 368, 411, 413, 415, 438, 445, 463, 489, 515, 555, 569, 570, 593, 605, 606, 624, 630, 663, 667, 670, 717, 723, 746, 794, 812, 822, 845, 846, 899, 958 |
| 94% | 0, 1, 4, 42, 45, 54, 102, 142, 162, 253, 262, 269, 280, 296, 311, 335, 353, 384, 385, 387, 388, 436, 451, 507, 540, 547, 579, 598, 611, 642, 678, 693, 767, 853, 894, 907, 939 |
| 93% | 20, 49, 66, 96, 113, 143, 151, 160, 164, 184, 185, 189, 217, 220, 246, 250, 258, 310, 325, 373, 425, 450, 479, 480, 530, 532, 552, 574, 580, 610, 680, 689, 709, 716, 733, 776, 783, 820, 843, 929 |
| 92% | 24, 31, 88, 106, 116, 174, 193, 218, 226, 235, 284, 286, 303, 369, 374, 394, 419, 443, 464, 477, 492, 498, 504, 526, 529, 531, 551, 560, 594, 616, 627, 646, 699, 730, 744, 852, 865, 919, 935, 969, 992, 998, 999 |
| 91% | 7, 13, 39, 59, 72, 119, 134, 153, 166, 190, 194, 209, 259, 265, 290, 360, 371, 383, 408, 409, 423, 432, 469, 595, 600, 603, 638, 659, 684, 694, 715, 720, 750, 816, 839, 857, 859, 861, 893, 896, 913, 928, 951, 954, 973 |
| 90% | 44, 75, 77, 83, 115, 231, 237, 244, 248, 279, 317, 349, 352, 355, 386, 410, 434, 490, 502, 510, 523, 650, 675, 711, 731, 772, 871, 883, 926, 986 |
If you prefer a stronger purple presence, this range gives you more variation while keeping a visible fade.
89–80% Fade Range
Most Karambit Fade patterns fall between 89% and 80%. These knives display large purple sections with limited yellow.
The gradient effect becomes less defined. Many players consider these less desirable because they lack the strong pink-to-yellow transition.
You still pay a premium because the base item is a Karambit. The lower fade percentage reduces the price compared to high-tier patterns, but it does not make the knife cheap.
Impact of Seed Pattern on Market Value
The pattern index directly influences price. Higher fade percentages usually command higher offers.
A 100% or 99% Fade can cost significantly more than a 90% version in the same float condition. Buyers pay for color distribution, not just wear.
Float value still matters. A Factory New 95% may compete with a worn 99%, depending on buyer priorities.
How You Can Obtain a Karambit Fade in CS2
You can acquire this knife in two ways:
- Open eligible weapon cases
- Purchase from the Steam Community Market or third-party marketplaces
Case opening offers very low odds for knives, and even lower odds for a specific finish. Most players who want a particular percentage buy directly from a marketplace.
Buying directly lets you compare float, pattern index, and price before committing.
How to Check the Pattern Before You Buy
Always inspect the knife in-game before finalizing a purchase.
Follow these steps:
- Copy the inspect link from the listing.
- Paste it into your browser or Steam client.
- View the knife in the in-game inspect window.
- Check the pattern index and float value.
- Compare the index to verified fade percentage lists.
You can also use trusted pattern databases and marketplace tools that display fade percentage estimates. Cross-check the index manually to avoid mistakes.
Do not assume a listing labeled “100% Fade” is accurate. Confirm the pattern number yourself before you spend money.
