CS2 Stained Guide: The Classic Oxidized Patina Knife Finish

What Is Stained?

Stained is a knife finish that simulates an oxidized, slightly tarnished blade with a brownish-yellow patina coating. Unlike flashy finishes such as Doppler or Marble Fade, Stained takes a minimalist approach, subtly altering the blade's color without adding complex patterns or designs. The result is a knife that looks like naturally aged metal, appealing to players who prefer realistic aesthetics over vibrant skins.

Stained belongs to the original set of knife finishes released alongside CS:GO's first weapon cases. According to the Valve Developer Community documentation, knife finishes use a distinct rendering pipeline from weapon skins, which explains why Stained's patina behaves differently from similar-looking weapon coatings.

Which Cases Drop Stained?

Stained is part of the classic knife finish pool, meaning it can drop from a wide variety of weapon cases. Cases known to include the classic finish pool are:

• CS:GO Weapon Case 1, 2, 3 - The original cases where Stained first appeared
• Huntsman Weapon Case - Introduces Huntsman Knife with Stained option
• Operation Breakout Weapon Case - Butterfly Knife with Stained
• Falchion Case - Falchion Knife with Stained
• Shadow Case - Shadow Daggers with Stained
• Many newer cases that reference the classic knife pool

For real-time information on which cases are currently dropping, check the Active Drop Pool Tracker. You can also use the Case ROI Calculator to compare expected returns across different cases before deciding which to open.

Float Value & Tint Variations

One of the most interesting aspects of the Stained finish is how meaningfully the float value changes the knife's appearance. While many budget finishes show minimal visual difference between Factory New and Battle-Scarred, Stained demonstrates a clear color progression:

The Steam Community Market allows you to inspect individual Stained knives before purchase, which is worth doing to see exactly where on the float spectrum a particular listing falls. Use our Float Checker to analyze specific float values and compare them.

Stained by Knife Type

Stained is available across all standard knife types in CS2. The finish looks different on each knife due to blade geometry, surface area, and animation visibility. Here is a tier ranking based on visual appeal and value:

For a broader comparison of all knife models and their animations, see our Knife Types Guide. If you want to understand the underlying drop mechanics for getting any of these knives, our Knife Odds Guide covers the math in detail.

Comparison with Similar Finishes

Stained occupies a specific niche in the CS2 knife finish hierarchy. It competes primarily with other understated, budget-friendly finishes. Understanding how it stacks up helps make better purchasing decisions:

For a complete overview of how all knife finishes are rendered, including the technical paint systems behind each, see our Skin Finish Types Guide. The Counter-Strike Wiki's knife reference also provides useful historical context on when each finish was introduced.

When to Choose Stained Over Alternatives

• Over Vanilla: If you want a similar clean look at a 30-60% lower price point
• Over Rust Coat: If you prefer a cleaner, more refined appearance without the heavy weathering
• Over Blue Steel: If you want a warmer tone or slightly cheaper option in the understated finish category
• Over Safari Mesh / Boreal Forest: If you want a finish without an explicit pattern or camouflage design

Pricing & Market Values

Stained knives sit firmly in the budget tier. Market data from the Steam Community Market consistently shows Stained as one of the three cheapest finishes for any given knife type, alongside Rust Coat and Safari Mesh.

Price Trends & Factors

• Condition Spread: Stained typically has a 15-25% price gap between FN and BS, smaller than most other finishes
• StatTrak Premium: Adds 15-25% to base price, lower than the 30-50% premium seen on popular finishes
• Seasonal Effects: Budget knives see less volatility during major sales or Steam events compared to high-end finishes
• Knife Model Impact: The knife type matters far more than the condition for Stained, with Butterfly and Karambit commanding the largest premiums

Pros & Cons of Stained Knives

If budget is your primary concern, compare Stained against other options using our Loadout Cost Calculator to build a complete loadout within your price range.

Trading & Investment Tips

Stained knives occupy a practical niche in the CS2 trading economy. They aren't investment-grade items, but understanding their market dynamics can save you money and help you trade more effectively.

Buying Advice

• Target Field-Tested: FT offers the best value, with near-identical appearance to MW at 15-25% less cost
• Skip Factory New: Unless you specifically want the lightest tint, the FN premium isn't justified for Stained
• Consider Battle-Scarred: If the darker tint appeals to you, BS Stained is the cheapest entry point for any knife type
• Compare Third-Party: Budget knives often have better deals on platforms like Buff163 where fees are lower than the Steam Market's 15% total

Selling & Trading

• Liquidity: Stained knives sell reasonably fast due to consistent budget demand. Expect 1-5 days on Steam Market at market price
• Trade Value: In skin-for-skin trades, Stained knives are valued at approximately Steam Market price minus 10-15%. They're not premium trade currency
• Upgrade Path: Many players use Stained as a stepping stone, buying Stained first, then selling to partially fund a more expensive finish

Investment Perspective

Stained is not typically recommended as an investment. Budget finishes have limited upside because demand is driven by price sensitivity rather than collector interest. However, Stained knives on discontinued knife types could see gradual appreciation over multi-year timescales. For serious skin investment strategies, refer to our Skin Investment Guide.

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