CS2 Tiger Tooth Guide
The complete reference for understanding CS2's Tiger Tooth knife finish. Learn about the distinctive golden-orange striped pattern that makes Tiger Tooth one of the most recognizable and sought-after knife finishes in Counter-Strike 2. Understand how float values affect appearance, compare prices across knife types, and make informed trading decisions.
What Is Tiger Tooth?
Tiger Tooth is one of the most visually distinctive and beloved knife finishes in CS2. Introduced with the Chroma Case in January 2015, Tiger Tooth features a bold golden-orange color scheme with dark tiger-like stripes that run across the blade. The finish creates a striking, almost fluorescent yellow-gold appearance that makes it instantly recognizable during gameplay.
Unlike pattern-dependent finishes such as Doppler (which has multiple phases) or Slaughter (which has recognizable shapes), Tiger Tooth is consistent across all pattern seeds. Every Tiger Tooth knife displays the same golden coloring with similar stripe patterns, which makes pricing more straightforward compared to phase-dependent finishes.
Key Tiger Tooth Facts
- Release Date: January 2015 with the Chroma Case
- Drop Rate: ~0.26% from cases containing Tiger Tooth (same as all rare special items)
- Pattern Variation: Minimal - all Tiger Tooth knives look similar regardless of pattern seed
- StatTrak Available: Yes, adds approximately 10-20% premium depending on knife type
- Float Range: 0.00 - 0.08 (Factory New only, no other wear levels exist)
- Color Palette: Golden yellow/orange with dark brown/black stripes
Factory New Only
Unlike most knife finishes that come in all five wear conditions, Tiger Tooth only drops in Factory New condition (float 0.00-0.08). This means every Tiger Tooth knife you encounter is FN, simplifying the buying process but also meaning there's no budget option at lower wear levels. The float range does still affect cleanliness, with 0.00x floats being more desirable.
According to CSGOStash, Tiger Tooth remains one of the most consistently popular knife finishes due to its eye-catching appearance and relatively straightforward pricing structure.
Pattern Characteristics
Tiger Tooth's visual appeal comes from its distinctive coloring and stripe pattern. Understanding these characteristics helps you appreciate what makes this finish special and evaluate individual knives:
Color Profile
- Base Color: Bright golden-yellow to orange gradient
- Stripe Color: Dark brown to black tiger stripes
- Metallic Sheen: High reflectivity, especially at low float values
- Edge Coloring: Spine and edges maintain the golden color throughout
Stripe Pattern
The "tiger" stripes run perpendicular to the blade length, creating a banded appearance similar to a tiger's fur. While the stripe positions vary slightly based on pattern seed, the overall appearance is consistent. Unlike finishes where pattern matters greatly, Tiger Tooth pattern seeds have minimal impact on value.
Why Pattern Doesn't Matter Much
For Tiger Tooth, the pattern seed primarily affects stripe positioning, but since all patterns feature the same golden color and similar stripe density, there's no significant price premium for specific patterns. This is in stark contrast to finishes like Case Hardened (blue gems), Doppler (phases), or Fade (fade percentages) where pattern dramatically affects value.
Visual Appeal Factors
What Makes Tiger Tooth Stand Out
- Extremely bright and visible in-game
- Unique golden color unlike any other finish
- Works well with any weapon skin loadout
- Highly recognizable status symbol
- Consistent appearance - no "bad patterns"
- Excellent contrast during gameplay
Potential Considerations
- Only available in Factory New
- Can be considered "flashy" by some players
- No rare variant premium opportunity
- Less variety compared to Doppler/Fade
- Some prefer more subtle finishes
- Higher base price than many finishes
Which Cases Drop Tiger Tooth?
Tiger Tooth was introduced as part of the "Chroma" finish family in 2015 and can drop from multiple weapon cases. Here are the primary sources:
| Case Name | Release Date | Drop Pool Status |
|---|---|---|
| Chroma Case | January 2015 | Rare Drop Pool |
| Chroma 2 Case | April 2015 | Rare Drop Pool |
| Chroma 3 Case | February 2016 | Rare Drop Pool |
| Gamma Case | June 2016 | Rare Drop Pool |
| Gamma 2 Case | February 2017 | Rare Drop Pool |
| Various newer cases | 2017-Present | Active/Rare Drop Pool |
Tiger Tooth can also be found in many other cases that feature the Chroma knife collection. Check the specific case contents on CSGOStash or the Steam Store to verify which cases currently offer Tiger Tooth knives.
Tiger Tooth Drop Mechanics
When opening a case containing Chroma knives, you first have approximately a 0.26% chance of receiving any knife, then the knife type (Karambit, M9, etc.) and finish (Tiger Tooth, Doppler, etc.) are determined. Tiger Tooth competes with other Chroma finishes in the same pool. Learn more about knife probabilities in our Knife Odds Guide.
Float Value Impact
Although Tiger Tooth only comes in Factory New condition (0.00-0.08 float range), the specific float value still affects appearance and price. Here's what you need to know:
Tiger Tooth Float Range
Tiger Tooth is restricted to Factory New only (0.00-0.08)
Float Value Tiers
| Float Range | Description | Price Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 0.00x ("Triple Zero") | Exceptionally clean, maximum shine | +15-30% premium |
| 0.01x-0.02x | Very clean, minimal wear signs | +5-15% premium |
| 0.03x-0.04x | Clean appearance, standard FN look | Standard market price |
| 0.05x-0.06x | Minor visible wear, still clean | Slight discount possible |
| 0.07x-0.08x | Maximum FN wear, some visible marks | 5-10% below market |
What Float Affects
- Shine Level: Lower floats appear shinier and more reflective
- Edge Wear: Higher floats show subtle scratching on blade edges
- Color Saturation: Very low floats may appear slightly more vibrant
- Stripe Contrast: Pattern stripes remain consistent regardless of float
Float Premium Tip
Because Tiger Tooth only comes in FN, the difference between a 0.00x and 0.07x float is less dramatic than with finishes that span multiple wear levels. However, collectors still pay premiums for very low floats. Use our Float Checker Tool to verify exact float values before purchasing.
Tiger Tooth by Knife Type
Tiger Tooth is available on most knife types in CS2. Different knives display the golden finish differently based on blade shape, size, and animation style. Here's how Tiger Tooth looks on popular knife types:
Karambit
Curved blade showcases Tiger Tooth beautifully. Popular choice with distinctive animation.
$400-700 FNM9 Bayonet
Large flat surface displays the golden pattern excellently. Classic choice.
$300-500 FNButterfly Knife
Highly popular knife type. Tiger Tooth + flipping animation is eye-catching.
$500-800 FNBayonet
Traditional design with good Tiger Tooth display. Serrated edge adds interest.
$200-350 FNFlip Knife
Compact blade, clean Tiger Tooth appearance. Budget-friendly option.
$150-250 FNGut Knife
Most affordable Tiger Tooth option. Good entry point for the finish.
$100-160 FNHuntsman Knife
Large blade provides good canvas for Tiger Tooth pattern display.
$120-200 FNTalon Knife
Modern knife with curved blade. Tiger Tooth looks distinctive here.
$350-550 FNBest Knives for Tiger Tooth
While Tiger Tooth looks good on all knife types, some showcase the finish better than others:
- Butterfly Knife: The spinning animation during inspection perfectly showcases the golden color
- Karambit: The curved blade creates an elegant Tiger Tooth display
- M9 Bayonet: Large flat surface provides maximum pattern visibility
- Talon Knife: Similar to Karambit with modern appeal
Learn more about all knife models in our Knife Types Guide.
Tiger Tooth vs Other Finishes
Understanding how Tiger Tooth compares to other popular Chroma finishes helps you decide which knife is right for you. Here's a detailed comparison:
Tiger Tooth
Consistent golden-orange color with stripes. No pattern variation or phases to worry about. Straightforward pricing.
Doppler
Multiple phases (1-4) plus rare variants (Ruby, Sapphire, Black Pearl). Phase 2 most valuable standard. Emerald for Gamma.
Marble Fade
Blue/red/yellow marble pattern. Fire & Ice patterns (red + blue only) command huge premiums. Max tier ranking system.
Fade
Yellow/pink/purple gradient. Fade percentage (80%-100%) affects value significantly. Full fade = maximum purple.
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Tiger Tooth | Doppler | Marble Fade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pattern Variations | None (consistent) | 4 phases + 3 rare | Fire & Ice + tricolor |
| Price Predictability | High | Low (phase dependent) | Low (pattern dependent) |
| Wear Conditions | FN only | FN only | FN only |
| Learning Curve | Easy | Moderate | Difficult |
| Trading Liquidity | High | Medium-High | Medium |
| Collector Appeal | Standard | High (rare phases) | Very High (F&I) |
Why Choose Tiger Tooth?
Tiger Tooth is ideal for players who want a distinctive, high-end knife finish without the complexity of pattern/phase evaluation. You get consistent quality with every Tiger Tooth, making buying decisions simpler. For those who enjoy the thrill of finding rare patterns, consider Doppler or Marble Fade instead.
Pricing & Market Values
Tiger Tooth pricing is relatively straightforward compared to pattern-dependent finishes. Prices primarily vary by knife type and float value. Here's a general pricing guide (prices fluctuate with market conditions):
| Knife Type | Typical FN Price Range | StatTrak FN Range |
|---|---|---|
| Gut Knife | $100 - $160 | $130 - $200 |
| Navaja Knife | $100 - $150 | $120 - $180 |
| Shadow Daggers | $100 - $150 | $120 - $180 |
| Flip Knife | $150 - $250 | $180 - $300 |
| Huntsman Knife | $120 - $200 | $150 - $250 |
| Falchion Knife | $110 - $180 | $140 - $220 |
| Bowie Knife | $130 - $200 | $160 - $250 |
| Bayonet | $200 - $350 | $250 - $420 |
| M9 Bayonet | $300 - $500 | $370 - $600 |
| Karambit | $400 - $700 | $500 - $850 |
| Talon Knife | $350 - $550 | $430 - $670 |
| Butterfly Knife | $500 - $800 | $620 - $970 |
Note: Prices are approximate and fluctuate based on market conditions. Always check current prices on the Steam Community Market or third-party marketplaces before trading. See our Marketplaces Guide for platform comparisons.
Price Factors
- Knife Type: Primary price determinant (Butterfly > Karambit > M9 > others)
- Float Value: 0.00x commands 15-30% premium over 0.06x
- StatTrak: Adds approximately 15-25% to base price
- Market Conditions: Major sales, game updates affect all knife prices
- Platform: Steam Market has ~13% fees vs 2-5% on third-party sites
Price Verification
Always verify current market prices before making purchases. Skin prices can change significantly based on game updates, market trends, and seasonal fluctuations. Use price tracking tools like CSGOFloat or price comparison sites to ensure you're getting a fair deal.
Trading & Investment Tips
Tiger Tooth knives are excellent for trading due to their consistent appearance, high liquidity, and recognizable appeal. Here's what you need to know:
Buying Tips
- Check float values: Use Float Checker to verify - low float commands premium
- Compare platforms: Check both Steam Market and third-party marketplaces for best prices
- Consider StatTrak: If you want StatTrak, buy it directly rather than upgrading later
- Verify legitimacy: Use official platforms and check seller reputation
- Wait for sales: Major Steam sales often see temporary price dips
Selling Tips
- Highlight low float: If your Tiger Tooth is 0.00x-0.01x, emphasize this in listings
- Use clear screenshots: Show the knife from multiple angles (see our Screenshot Guide)
- Price competitively: Check current market listings and price slightly below for faster sales
- Choose right platform: High-value knives often sell better on specialized marketplaces
- Be patient: Rushing often means accepting lower prices
Investment Considerations
Investment Positives
- High liquidity - easy to buy and sell
- Consistent demand from players
- No pattern complexity to worry about
- Distinctive appearance holds appeal
- FN-only means consistent quality
Investment Risks
- Less appreciation potential than rare patterns
- Can't find "undervalued" patterns
- Subject to general market fluctuations
- New finishes could reduce appeal
- No rare variants for major gains
Investment Disclaimer
CS2 skin investing carries financial risk. Prices can drop due to game updates, market changes, or reduced player interest. Never invest money you cannot afford to lose. Learn more about managing risk in our Skin Investment Guide and Responsible Gaming Guide. If gambling-related concerns arise, visit BeGambleAware or NCPG.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tiger Tooth finish in CS2?
Tiger Tooth is a distinctive knife finish featuring a golden-orange color scheme with dark tiger-like stripes. Introduced with the Chroma Case in 2015, it's one of the most recognizable knife finishes due to its bold, eye-catching appearance. Unlike pattern-dependent finishes, Tiger Tooth looks consistent across all knives, making pricing straightforward.
How much is a Tiger Tooth knife worth?
Tiger Tooth prices vary primarily by knife type. Gut Knife Tiger Tooth starts around $100-160, while premium options like Butterfly Knife can range $500-800, and Karambit typically sells for $400-700. Float value also affects price, with 0.00x floats commanding 15-30% premiums. StatTrak adds approximately 15-25% to base prices.
Does float value matter for Tiger Tooth?
Yes, though Tiger Tooth only exists in Factory New (0.00-0.08 float range). Lower floats (0.00x-0.02x) appear shinier and cleaner, commanding premiums. Higher floats within the FN range may show minor wear marks. The difference is less dramatic than finishes with multiple wear levels, but collectors still value low floats.
Which cases drop Tiger Tooth knives?
Tiger Tooth drops from cases containing the Chroma knife collection, including Chroma Case, Chroma 2 Case, Chroma 3 Case, and many newer cases. The finish has approximately a 0.26% drop rate when a knife is unboxed from these cases, competing with other Chroma finishes like Doppler and Marble Fade.
How does Tiger Tooth compare to Doppler?
Tiger Tooth offers consistent golden appearance with no phases or variants, making pricing simple. Doppler has multiple phases (1-4) plus rare variants (Ruby, Sapphire, Black Pearl) with significant price differences. Tiger Tooth is easier to trade due to consistency, while Doppler offers more variety and potential for finding undervalued phases.
What knives look best with Tiger Tooth?
Tiger Tooth looks exceptional on knives with large blade surfaces. Butterfly Knife is particularly popular as the spinning animation showcases the golden color beautifully. Karambit and Talon Knife's curved blades create elegant displays. M9 Bayonet's large flat surface maximizes pattern visibility. Even budget options like Gut Knife look striking in Tiger Tooth.
Is Tiger Tooth a good investment?
Tiger Tooth offers stable value due to consistent demand and high liquidity. However, it lacks the appreciation potential of rare patterns like Doppler Ruby/Sapphire or Case Hardened blue gems. It's good for players who want a reliable knife value rather than speculative investing. Learn more in our Skin Investment Guide.
Responsible Trading
CS2 skin trading involves financial risk. Prices fluctuate based on market conditions, and there's no guarantee of value retention or appreciation. Only spend what you can afford to lose. If you need help with gambling-related issues, visit BeGambleAware.
Last updated: January 2026