Top 5 Butterfly Knives in CS2 for Collectors and Flexers
Why Butterfly Knives Dominate the CS2 Market
Butterfly Knives are more than flashy—they’re fluid. With the most intricate inspect animation of any knife in CS2, they stand out in gameplay and highlight videos. Originally released in the Operation Breakout Weapon Case, these knives have only gained value over time.
Key reasons for their popularity:
🔁 Flip animation is unique and endlessly replayable.
🎨 Available in high-tier finishes like Doppler and Gamma Doppler.
💼 Strong market demand from both players and investors.
Some variants—like Sapphire or Emerald—are ultra-rare, often appearing in high-stakes trading and YouTube unboxings.
🥇 #5 – Butterfly Knife | Vanilla
Float Range: No float (always clean)
StatTrak Option: No
Case: Operation Breakout Weapon Case
Estimated Price: ~$2,000 (as of late 2025)
The Vanilla Butterfly Knife keeps it simple—just polished steel and clean lines. No color, no gimmicks. That’s the appeal. It’s often chosen by players who want to flex the knife itself, not the finish. Prices stay strong because it's OG and not tied to wear.
Pro tip: Because it doesn’t degrade, you don’t have to worry about float or scratches—what you see is what you get.
🥈 #4 – Butterfly Knife | Autotronic
Float Range: 0.00–0.85
StatTrak Option: Yes
Case: Operation Riptide Case
Estimated Price: ~$1,800 (Minimal Wear)
Autotronic blends sleek red mesh accents with a steel skeletonized frame. It’s a high-tech look that pairs well with gloves like Sport Gloves | Scarlet Shamagh or Hand Wraps | Slaughter. It’s less flashy than Doppler finishes, but stands out in its own right.
Pros:
Great mid-tier price point
Eye-catching without being overdone
Matches well with red-themed loadouts
🥉 #3 – Butterfly Knife | Gamma Doppler (Emerald)
Float Range: 0.00–0.08 (Factory New only)
StatTrak Option: No
Case: Gamma 2 Case
Estimated Price: ~$16,000+ (Factory New)
The Emerald finish is pure prestige. It features bright green crystalline waves across the blade—clean, bold, and extremely rare. This knife is a status piece, often held by collectors or high-tier traders.
Note: Gamma Doppler Emeralds are locked to Factory New floats, which keeps the supply low and the price high.
🥈 #2 – Butterfly Knife | Doppler (Sapphire)
Float Range: 0.00–0.08 (Factory New only)
StatTrak Option: No
Case: Spectrum 2 Case
Estimated Price: ~$20,000+ (Factory New)
The Sapphire is one of the most recognizable finishes in CS2—a deep blue, gem-like blade that looks incredible in motion. It’s flashy, premium, and almost guaranteed to spark envy on the server.
Paired well with:
Driver Gloves | Imperial Plaid
Specialist Gloves | Crimson Kimono
Like Emerald, it’s a Factory New–only skin, adding to its exclusivity.
🥇 #1 – Butterfly Knife | Doppler (Phase 2)
Float Range: 0.00–0.08
StatTrak Option: No
Case: Spectrum 2 Case
Estimated Price: ~$6,000 (Factory New)
Phase 2 is the fan-favorite Doppler variant thanks to its vivid red-purple gradient. It's more accessible than Ruby or Sapphire but just as striking—especially in motion. You get top-tier visuals without going full whale.
Why it's #1:
🔥 Best balance of aesthetics and price
💼 Highly liquid—easy to buy/sell
🎯 Recognized and respected in every lobby
Buying Tips: Where to Get Butterfly Knives in CS2
Knife prices vary by float, pattern, and platform. For active listings, look at:
BitSkins – Often best pricing for non-Steam marketplaces.
CS.money – Offers trading with float filters and visual previews.
Buff.163 – Deepest liquidity, but primarily in CNY (requires currency conversion).
Pro tip: Always verify float and pattern ID before buying. A Phase 2 Doppler with a cleaner fade can fetch significantly more than a muddled version, even at the same float.
Key Takeaways
Butterfly Knives combine top-tier animation with sought-after finishes.
Doppler Phase 2 is a sweet spot for collectors and flexers alike.
Sapphire and Emerald offer prestige but at a steep price.
Vanilla holds nostalgic and clean appeal for minimalists.
Use trusted marketplaces with float verification tools before purchasing.
FAQ
What is the best Butterfly Knife skin in CS2?
Many consider the Doppler Phase 2 the best all-around due to its blend of rarity, beauty, and value.
Are Butterfly Knife skins rare?
Yes. Their drop rate is extremely low, and high-tier finishes like Sapphire or Emerald are even rarer.
Can you get StatTrak on all Butterfly Knives?
Not all. Some, like Gamma Doppler and Sapphire, are only available without StatTrak.
Where can I buy Butterfly Knife skins safely?
Reputable third-party markets like BitSkins, CS.money, and Buff.163 offer secure trades and float verification.
Do float and pattern matter for Butterfly Knives?
Absolutely. Lower float generally means better condition, and some patterns (like full fade) are more desirable.
Which cases drop Butterfly Knives?
Cases like the Operation Breakout, Spectrum 2, and Gamma 2 include Butterfly Knife drops, depending on finish.
Author & Update
Written by a veteran CS skin trader with 7+ years in the market.
Updated: January 2026