CS2’s Case Hardened weapon finish is renowned for its exotic appearance. The intricate pattern is so remarkable that it has been documented in a dedicated catalog. In this discussion, we will explore the methods of obtaining all the Case Hardened skins, as well as delve into the concept of Blue Gem. It is worth noting that not all Case Hardened skins come with a hefty price tag, as there are affordable options accessible to all.

What is Case Hardened?

Surface Hardening, an age-old technique that has stood the test of time for centuries, served as the muse for Valve’s innovative creation.

To obtain hardened skin, one must combine iron with a carbohydrate-based liquid before subjecting it to heat. The outcome is a delicate coating of high-carbon steel on the iron, which imparts a blue hue to gemstones. The color of this hardening procedure can range from blue to purple to gold, influenced by the specific elements and techniques employed.

The first Case Hardened skins came out along with the first Weapon Case, the AK-47 Case Hardened and knives. By the way, Case Hardened pattern is available for all knives in the game including Case Hardened Karambit.

Case Hardened Patterns

CS2 contains a collection of 19 knives, AK-47, Five-SeveN, and MAC-10, all of which showcase mesmerizing Case Hardened patterns. Despite their distinct striking features, every one of these weapons enjoys immense popularity.

The weapon model is adorned with the Case Hardened texture in a random manner. The location of the texture is determined by a number ranging from 1 to 1000, known as the Pattern Index.

The pattern index decides everything, and the price can jump ten times. Blue Gems and Gold Gems are the most expensive skins in this series.

What is a Blue Gem?

Blue Gems are skins with the highest amount of blue coloration and a hardened case. They are highly sought after by both traders and players. The AK-47 Case Hardened with a Pattern Index #661 is particularly renowned as the most famous Blue Gem skin. Due to its exceptional quality, it commands a very high price. In fact, a recent sale of this skin reached an astonishing $400,000. The Karambit Case Hardened, on the other hand, surpasses even the AK-47 in terms of extravagance. It currently holds the title of the most expensive knife and skin in CS, valued at $1,500,000.

Why are Blue Gems so expensive?

The AK-47 Blue Gems command exorbitant prices, often reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars, owing to their immense scarcity. These exceptional variants are truly rare, typically limited to just one or two exemplifying the finest patterns, alongside approximately ten equally impressive alternatives.

To illustrate, consider an AK-47 Case Hardened with pattern number 661. Out of approximately 90,000 AK Case Hardened skins in the game, there are specifically 123 with this pattern. Among these, only nine are in Factory New condition. Therefore, there are merely nine skins available for all Counter-Strike players. This scarcity explains their high cost.

Best Case Hardened Skins

The AK-47 boasts over ten distinct Case Hardened patterns. These patterns can be classified into three groups: Blue, Gold, and Mixed.

AK-47 Blue Gems

The Blue set consists of The Scar, Blue Top+Bottom, 50/50, Blue Mag, and Blue Barrel, making it the priciest among all. While certain items in this set have a single pattern index, others have the capability to accommodate multiple patterns.

The most desirable Case Hardened skins are undoubtedly The Scars. Its name derives from the golden strip adorning the receiver, while the sides and back are adorned with a striking blue hue. Among the pattern numbers available, #661, #321, and #670, the most prestigious and costly option is undoubtedly #661.

No explanation is necessary for Blue Barrel and Blue Mag. The finest blue magazines can be found in patterns #587 and #502. Blue Barrel offers a couple of other patterns, such as #151 or #856, but they hold little value.

Blue Top+Bottom and 50/50 skins come with a matching blue patch placement. These skins are not considered rare because they can have various Pattern Indexes, such as #092. However, their prices can vary significantly, especially when the blue patch covers the back.

AK-47 Gold Gems

Obtaining Gold Gems is a breeze. Simply opt for the Case Hardened skin, which boasts the highest amount of gold. The Patterns to look out for are #219 and #784, where gold takes center stage. Other colors make only occasional appearances amidst the dominating gold hue.

Currently, the skins are in Mixed Case Hardened form.

The Case Hardened texture features purple frames surrounding all blue areas. Skins adorned with purple, silver, blue, and gold colors containing numerous such spots are commonly known as Rainbows or Galaxys. While they are more affordable than higher-tier patterns, these skins are still pricier than regular items.

There are no designated names for other patterns, hence there is no additional expense.

Case Hardened Knives

Knives don’t have as many patterns, but they still fall into two categories. There are two sides to every Case Hardened knife in CS one you see when you play and one you don’t. Those colors on the front are a lot more valuable than those on the back. Percentages are used to measure blade color ratios. Skins with a higher percentage are rarer and more expensive.

There are five categories that can be used to classify all Case Hardened knife skins.

The item known as Gold Gem, Ursus Knife #120, is made entirely of gold.

Bayonet M9 #211, characterized by its little blue color covering approximately 20% of the blade’s area.

half blue, ~50% area, Bowie Knife #27

blue blade, Bayonet #74

completely blue, aka Blue Gem, Karambit #387

The ratios are computed using the front side of the knife as the primary reference, while considering the back side as an added benefit.

One of the priciest types of knives available are the Blue Case hardened Knives. A few years back, a Karambit Case Hardened knife with a fully blue blade was sold for a staggering $120,000, making it unquestionably one of the most significant transactions in the realm of skins.

Case Hardened Five-SeveN

In comparison, the Five-SeveN can be likened to Case Hardened knives as they also take into account Colour Ratios to determine their value. The highest-priced skins, known as Blue Gems, are identified by pattern numbers: #278, #690, and #868. For all other skins, the more blue present translates to a higher monetary worth.

Gold Gem patterns are not unique or distinctive, as they bear a striking resemblance to the Five-SeveN | Copper Galaxy.

How to Get Case Hardened Skin?

There are two methods to acquire a Case Hardened skin. Firstly, you can search for offers on auction sites, examine the skins for their blue and gold percentages, and then, if you wish to purchase with cash or negotiate for skins, find a guarantor. Needless to say, this option is time-consuming and tedious, ultimately requiring a significant amount of time. However, there are alternative possibilities available, such as opening cases or engaging in a Trade Contract.