In Counter-Strike, customized weapon finishes are a mainstay of the gameplay, with some being more unique than others. The Case Hardened variant, a unique skin with the colors red, blue, and yellow in various patterns that players may earn, is one of the most recognizable finishes across a variety of weapons. Owing to its scarcity, one particular subset—the Case Hardened Blue Gem—becomes the collectors’ holy grail. The clearer the blue on the pistol, the more valuable it is. This applies to all skins with the Case Hardened finish. In the game there are several M9 Bayonet Blue Gem patterns, some of which command a higher price than others.
Why is Case Hardened So Valuable?
Case Hardened is a weapon finish that gives your gun a metallic texture with a worn, aged feel. Imagine a well-used firearm that’s seen its share of action. The so-called case hardening effect adds a unique touch, making the metal appear slightly mottled with patches of darker and lighter colors. The beauty of Case Hardened is that the patterns and colors can vary significantly from weapon to weapon, so you can end up with a truly one-of-a-kind item. While Case Hardened is a fairly common finish, it’s impossible to underestimate its appeal. Some Case Hardened finishes develop incredibly attractive designs, with areas of bright blue or gold hues particularly sought after by players. These unique patterns, known as “Blue Gems” can significantly up the value of any Case Hardened weapon from hundreds to even thousands of US dollars at a time.
However, even amongst Blue Gems, a hierarchy of value and desirability exists determined by a combination of intricate details.
The most fundamental factor influencing a Blue Gem’s worth is the extent of solid blue coverage. Imagine a spectrum, with common Case Hardened skins on one end displaying a mottled mix of blues, grays, and browns. As we move towards the Blue Gem end, the blue area steadily expands, pushing back the other colors until it dominates the weapon’s surface. The most sought-after Blue Gems boast a near-uniform expanse of blue, with minimal interruptions from other colors. This creates a visually stunning effect, where the weapon seems almost to glow with an otherworldly sheen. The higher the blue percentage a Blue Gem possesses, the rarer it becomes, and consequently, the steeper its price tag climbs.
The story doesn’t end with just the amount of blue, however, as pattern elements within the dominant blue color play a significant role in a Blue Gem’s allure. Some Blue Gems showcase a uniform spread of blue, but the most coveted ones take things a step further. These distinct blue patterns add a layer of visual intrigue, transforming the Blue Gem from simply valuable to a true collector’s piece. The specific formations and how they interact with the base blue color are subjective aspects influencing desirability, but generally, a Blue Gem with captivating and unique patterns fetches a higher price than one with a uniform blue expanse.
While wear and float value – a metric indicating a skin’s condition – are crucial factors for most CS:GO skins, their influence on Blue Gems is slightly different. Unlike other Case Hardened skins where higher wear values result in increased scratches and a diminished value, Blue Gem worth is primarily determined by the pattern itself. A well-worn Blue Gem with a phenomenal pattern can still command a hefty sum. However, a Factory New or Minimal Wear condition can add a slight premium to the price. This is because a cleaner presentation, with minimal signs of wear, allows the intricate details of the Blue Gem’s pattern to shine through unimpeded, further enhancing its visual appeal for collectors.
M9 Bayonet Blue Gem Patterns
M9 Bayonet Case Hardened Blue Gems are a variety of designs brought together by a singular element: a stunning blue majority throughout most of the weapon’s body. The effect is a visually stunning blue masterpiece with very few or no yellow accents.
These patterns are unique since Case Hardened designs were produced in many unique ways. Each M9 Bayonet Case Hardened skin is given a different pattern value that establishes the specific color distribution. Designs that are considered Blue Gems are just a tiny, albeit extremely valuable, sample of what is possible.
Multiple Blue Gem patterns for the M9 Bayonet Case Hardened exist, with some being better than others.
The 92: M9 Bayonet Case Hardened Blue Gem Pattern #601
Globally recognized as the finest M9 Bayonet Case Hardened Blue Gem in existence, the #601 pattern features the most amount of blue on the blade at an astonishing 92%. There is minimal gold, seen at the very tip of the knife and for a small portion of the blade next to the guard, with small spots of red sprinkled in.
Something Like The Beach: M9 Bayonet Case Hardened Blue Gem Pattern #58
The M9 Bayonet Case Hardened with this pattern comes in at second place to the #601 seed value, but is still an incredibly rare gem to come across. Likened to a beach wherein the patch of yellow is the sand and the pristine blue shade represents the ocean waves crashing down, the #58 pattern also features a bluer guard than the #601 which can be seen as a benefit to others whose preferences lie there.
Other Blue Gem Patterns
All the other M9 Bayonet Case Hardened Blue Gem patterns currently in Counter-Strike are listed as follows:
Tier 1 | 58, 107, 150, 239, 253, 349, 354, 403, 406, 417, 449, 503, 517, 523, 550, 585, 601, 634, 675, 897, 946 |
Tier 2 | 21, 91, 117, 166, 167, 202, 224, 269, 281, 288, 336, 346, 355, 366, 430, 613, 628, 715, 793, 813, 867, 880 |
Tier 3 | 4, 41, 59, 88, 108, 124, 141, 157, 173, 204, 210, 227, 229, 243, 249, 286, 293, 295, 298, 319, 345, 356, 372, 393, 476, 490, 525, 529, 533, 546, 553, 598, 610, 790, 821, 837, 859, 866, 887, 908, 910, 915, 933, 959 |
Tier 4 | 2, 63, 64, 97, 103, 113, 136, 138, 156, 162, 176, 177, 179, 209, 246, 251, 292, 308, 351, 353, 369, 401, 413, 445, 473, 475, 496, 506, 507, 516, 518, 524, 526, 556, 564, 573, 619, 632, 651, 674, 681, 698, 706, 735, 759, 764, 779, 783, 794, 808, 811, 835, 869, 871, 902, 904, 916, 941, 963, 968, 989 |