The History of the ★ Karambit | Gamma Doppler in CS2 (CS:GO)

The Karambit | Gamma Doppler was introduced by Gamma Case on June 15, 2016, as part of the "Gamma Exposure" update. This case brought a new wave of knife finishes under the Gamma Doppler category, which included vibrant green-and-black marble patterns across multiple knife models. Still, the Karambit version quickly became one of the most popular knives.

Before Gamma Dopplers, players were already familiar with the original Doppler series, which included phases like Ruby, Sapphire, and Black Pearl. The Gamma Doppler series followed a similar structure but replaced blue and red tones with rich shades of green. It launched with 4 phases and an Emerald variant, the latter becoming one of the most valuable knives in the game.

This knife also gained exposure on the pro scene. Professional players like TACO, TaZ, and NiKo were all seen using it in matches, which helped raise its profile further. For fans, watching pro players use this knife only boosted its appeal and made it feel more special.

How Rare Is the ★ Karambit | Gamma Doppler?

The Karambit | Gamma Doppler is considered one of the rarest knives you can get. It's classified as a Covert drop, the highest rarity for standard weapons and knives. On top of that, knives have extremely low drop chances to begin with 0.26% chance when opening a case.

This knife has 4 main phases. While all versions fall under the Gamma Doppler finish, each phase has a different color blend and pattern. For example, Phase 2 often has more green and is highly popular, while Phase 3 usually shows darker tones and is more common.

The pattern seed, a unique number assigned to each skin that slightly changes the look of the pattern, makes rarity even more complex. Even two knives from the same phase can look very different because of this. Some seeds are considered “clean” or more visually appealing and may sell for higher prices. For example, an Emerald with a float value close to 0.00 and a bright, even green surface is incredibly hard to find and can cost over $20,000.

★ Karambit | Gamma Doppler Wear Levels and Conditions

The Karambit | Gamma Doppler is only available in two wear levels: Factory New and Minimal Wear. This limited range comes from its restricted float value, which runs from 0.00 to 0.08. The skin holds its quality well thanks to the narrow float range, and the difference between conditions is usually hard to notice.

Factory New versions have the lowest float values, typically ranging from 0.00 to around 0.07. These are the most desirable among collectors, especially when combined with rare patterns or a visually balanced phase. Minimal Wear versions sit just above that in float, usually from 0.07 to 0.08, and often show only slight changes in how the green, black, and teal patterns appear across the blade.

★ Karambit | Gamma Doppler Price & Market Value

The Karambit | Gamma Doppler is one of the most expensive and desired knife skins in CS2, with prices that reflect its rarity and visual appeal. It’s only available in Factory New and Minimal Wear conditions, as its float range is capped between 0.00 and 0.08.

Factory New versions usually start around $3,000 and can reach upwards of $5,800, depending on the phase and float. StatTrak versions, which include a kill counter, often push those prices even higher, sometimes past the $6,000 mark, especially when paired with high-demand phases.

Out of all the phases, Phase 2 usually has the highest price because of its brighter green. Phases 1, 3, and 4 are still valued but appear more often and have more mixed color patterns. Then there’s the Emerald version, a pure green blade that stands apart from the other phases entirely. This version is exceptionally rare and can cost over $27,000, placing it among the top-tier knife skins in the entire game.

Float value, pattern, and overall market demand all influence the price. Skins with extremely low floats or rare patterns can sell for a premium. Because the Gamma Doppler finish is exclusive to a limited number of cases, supply is always restricted.

Why Is Karambit | Gamma Doppler So Popular?

The Karambit | Gamma Doppler is popular for its visual design, its rarity, and the prestige tied to both the knife and the finish. The curved blade of the Karambit is already one of the most recognizable shapes in CS2, and when combined with the Gamma Doppler finish.

One of the biggest reasons for its popularity is the variety of phases and rare seeds(pattern ID) it comes in. The Gamma Doppler is split into phases from Phase 1 to Phase 4, each with a different blend of green, black, and teal hues. Beyond the regular phases, you’ll find special seeds like Emerald (Phase 4 with full green coverage), which is the rarest and most expensive version in the Gamma Doppler family. Other, less common seeds can have unique swirl placements or brighter patterns.

Its popularity also comes from how it looks in motion. The Karambit’s spinning inspect animation pairs well with the Gamma Doppler’s reflective finish, which shifts under light and movement. It also pairs well with gloves like Sport Gloves | Hedge Maze or Specialist Gloves | Emerald Web, which match the green tones and complete the visual setup. This knife shows up in a lot of top-tier collections, especially among those who regularly buy CS2 (CS:GO) skins.

What Is the Souvenir ★ Karambit | Gamma Doppler

There is no souvenir version of the ★ Karambit | Gamma Doppler in CS2 (CS:GO). Valve knife skins, including this one, are not released as Souvenir items and do not feature tournament signatures or stickers. As a result, collectors seeking tournament-exclusive signatures or pro player autographs must focus on rifle and pistol skins instead. Despite this, record-breaking trades and auctions for rare phases and low float finishes help maintain the skin\'s popularity and status among professional players and the community.

Famous Players & Streamers with ★ Karambit | Gamma Doppler

The ★ Karambit | Gamma Doppler is often seen in the inventories of elite CS2 and CS:GO pros and popular streamers. Notable names include s1mple of Natus Vincere, who has showcased this knife both on stream and during tournaments, and streamer Sparkles, who has featured multiple rare Gamma Doppler phases in case opening videos. The knife's exclusive aesthetics and high market value have made it a highly desired item among influencers and pro players alike, further enhancing its status and driving in-game demand. When such influential names equip or unbox the ★ Karambit | Gamma Doppler, its popularity surges, inspiring fans and traders throughout the Counter-Strike community.

Alternatives to ★ Karambit | Gamma Doppler

Karambit | Gamma Doppler is not the only skin in the Gamma Doppler family. There are several other knife options with the same finish but with different animations and price points. If you like the green-and-black marble swirl of the Gamma Doppler pattern but want to try a different knife style, there are plenty of options to explore.

The M9 Bayonet | Gamma Doppler is another popular option, known for its bigger blade and heavier swing animation. It has the same bright phases as the others and is a go-to choice for a lot of players. The Bayonet | Gamma Doppler version feels more traditional, while the Flip Knife comes out faster and is usually easier on the wallet.

You could also look into the Doppler family’s other knife models, like the Gut Knife, Huntsman, or Falchion, which all come in Gamma Doppler finishes. Each offers a different experience in terms of animation and in-hand feel. These alternatives allow you to keep the same visual identity while choosing the blade that fits your playstyle.

How to Get a ★ Karambit | Gamma Doppler

There are three main ways to get a Karambit | Gamma Doppler in CS2.

The most traditional way is to open a Gamma Case or Gamma 2 Case, where this knife belongs to the Covert knife tier. However, the odds of pulling any knife from a case are already very low, and the chances of getting a specific finish like the Gamma Doppler are even smaller. This makes it a high-risk and expensive method with no guarantees.

A more reliable option is to buy the knife directly through the Steam Market or trusted third-party marketplaces like Skin.Place. On Skin.Place, you can filter by float, phase, and price to find the exact Karambit | Gamma Doppler you’re looking for, whether it’s a Phase 2, a rare pattern seed, or a Factory New StatTrak version. Prices vary based on condition and rarity, with patterns like Emerald reaching extremely high values.

Compared to the Steam Market, Skin.Place offers lower fees, better pricing, and faster transactions, making it the best choice for serious collectors and traders. You also get access to global listings, meaning more availability and better chances of finding rare patterns without the heavy restrictions of the Steam ecosystem.

As for trade-up contracts, they aren’t a viable method for this knife. Knives cannot be obtained through trade-ups in CS2, as this system is limited to weapon skins within specific collections.

Final Thoughts for Collectors and Players

The CS2 (CS:GO) Karambit | Gamma Doppler remains one of the most iconic knife skins in CS2. Its release brought a fresh style to an already popular knife model, while the different Gamma Doppler phases added even more variety for collectors and players to chase. With limited case availability, a narrow wear range, and a strong history tied to pro players, this knife continues to stand out as a top-tier collectible.

For those who value visual detail, float value, and unique patterns, the Gamma Doppler offers unmatched depth within the CS2 market. Its enduring popularity highlights the significant impact a single skin can have on the game’s trading and cosmetic ecosystem.

If you’re ready to add a CS2 (CS:GO) Karambit | Gamma Doppler to your inventory, check out Skin.Place to find the perfect phase and float at the best price, while enjoying lower fees and faster transactions.