Flip Knife Fade Guide: How Patterns Impact Value

One of the most instantly recognizable skins in CS:GO and CS2 is the fade. The purple, pink, and yellow gradient is one of the most sought-after gradients that exists across any game. And when paired with the right knife, it can generate an exponential rise in value. 

Yes, fades are amazing. However, not every fade is considered equal. So, the real question is, what makes one fade more or less valuable than another fade? The answer is both simple and complex—the pattern. Grab a drink and get comfortable as we explore the Flip Knife Fade and what to look for in the patterns before buying.

Why the Flip Knife Fade Is a Must-Have in Your Inventory?

Generally speaking, the Flip Knife is widely considered just a mid-tier knife. And there’s really only one way to turn a Flip Knife into something that’s truly brag-worthy—have a Flip Knife Fade. 

The mix of purple, blue, yellow, and chrome helps add a visual dimension that pushes the Flip Knife to a higher tier. Though the Flip Knife blade is smaller than some knives, the gradient of colors helps create a higher-contrast effect that makes the knife more visible and stand out. 

Originally released in the Arms Deal Update on August 14, 2013, the Flip Knife Fade quickly became a must-have. It’s often seen in highlight clips and is a staple among pro players who love its flashy animation.

That info is cool. However, it doesn’t really help with understanding what to look for in the patterns. 

Deep Dive into Flip Knife Fade Patterns

Flip Knife Fade Patterns follow a fade percentage system that falls anywhere between 80% to 100%. Meaning, if you have a Flip Knife Fade 80%, only 80% of the blade is covered with the gradient.

Here’s a quick fade breakdown:

• Full Fades: This term is kind of debated and, depending on who you ask, can have slightly different meanings. Most consider a full fade to be a fade that covers 100% of the blade. However, due to the fact that a 99% or 98% fade almost looks identical, some players call those full fades, while others call them fake full fades. So, be careful here.
• 100% Fades: This is the true holy grail of fades. A gradient that covers the entire blade all the way to the tip. Some of the most well-known Flip Knife full fades are seeds 763, 897, 636, and 575. Own one of those, and you hold something that any high-end collector will try to get their hands on.
• Average Fades: Even though fades range from 80%-100%, don’t expect to get a holy grail or anything close. They’re very rare. Despite that, even the average 85%-90% fade looks pretty legit. Though, they usually have less purple with the blade tip being chrome.

Of course, you want a Full Fade. It’s even really nice to have a Fake Full Fade. Land anywhere in those two categories and you’ll have something pretty valuable. 

Flip Knife Fade Price Breakdown

Like any skin, the price of a Flip Knife fade greatly depends on the pattern as well as the current market conditions, any platform sales, CS2 updates, and case drops. Here’s are the most common things that can affect the value:

• Fade Percentage: The better the pattern, the higher the price.
• Float: The lower the float, the higher the price.

As a general rule, you can expect the flip knife fade prices to be around these marks:

• Factory New: Usually command a price of between $610-$750.
• Minimal Wear: Usually command a price of between $580-$700.
• StatTrak versions: Expect to see an additional $150-$300 tacked on.

Once you factor in the better patterns, you can expect to pay anywhere from 2-3x those prices. And, for a Full Fade StatTrak version, prices can go for whatever someone is willing to pay. Meaning, they can be well over 3x those prices.

Float Range & Wear Level

Because the float affects the value, it’s important to have a decent understanding of the float range. Here’s a deeper look into both:

• Float: The Flip Knife Fade has a very limited float range—from Factory New to Minimal Wear. Meaning, even the highest float still looks nice. This also helps minimize the range in value swings.
• Float Range: You’ll receive a fade that has anywhere from a 0.00 to 0.08 float. Of course, the lower the better. However, even at 0.08 float, you’ll have something pretty clean and crisp.

Though this low float range is nice, you’ll want to use this flip knife fade guide to understand the difference. Keep in mind, the CS2 pattern is what dictates the value. But, however you look at it, you’ll be able to find a decent Flip Knife Fade no matter the pattern.

How to Spot the Best Flip Knife Fade Patterns?

To an untrained eye, there isn’t much difference between an 85% and 90% flip knife fade pattern, even less between a 99% and Full Fade. So knowing what to look for can either make or save you a significant amount of money. Luckily, there are different tactics you can use. Here are a few: 

• Fade Calculators: These tools can help you by using Valve’s open-source algorithm that pinpoints the exact pattern any skin has.
• Seed Numbers: Every fade skin has a number connected to it called a “seed number.” Each seed number represents a specific pattern. Be sure to check the seed number against the pattern when buying a Flip Knife fade.
• Color Extensions: An easy way to determine a specific range in patterns is to look at how close to the tip the color purple extends. If someone says it’s a Full Fade and the tip is chrome, you know it’s false.

Remember that some people call a 98% fade a Full Fade, so be careful when buying. It’s recommended to use all three methods stated above to make sure you’re buying what you think you’re buying.

Wrapping Up!

A Flip Knife is just a Flip Knife, until it’s a Fade. Then, we’re talking about something different. Something special. Something most people consider collectible. And rightfully so. If you’re in the market to get your hands on one, be sure to check out Shadowpay—you’ll find a nice collection of Fades at competitive prices. Happy hunting!