M9 Bayonet Case Hardened Blue Gem Seeds
What is an M9 Bayonet Case Hardened?
The M9 Bayonet is one of the many knife models available in Counter-Strike, and it’s known for its military-style design and in-game rarity. The “Case Hardened” finish is a specific skin pattern that gives the knife a distinctive, multicolored appearance that resembles the metalworking process of case hardening. Among the various Case Hardened patterns, the Blue Gem is up there as one of the most sought-after.
But why is it such a big deal? Well, the Blue Gem pattern is characterized by having a lot of blue coloring on the blade. However, the value and desirability of a Case Hardened knife depends on how much blue is actually on the knife – and how it’s distributed. In the case of the M9 Bayonet Case Hardened, a Blue Gem has a predominantly blue blade, which makes it extremely rare – and incredibly valuable.
Understanding Seed Patterns
The term “seed” basically refers to the pattern index, which is a numerical value assigned to each skin that determines its unique appearance. For the Case Hardened series, different seeds result in various patterns and color distributions – and the rarity and aesthetic appeal of a skin can vary greatly depending on its seed.
Notable Blue Gem Seeds for M9 Bayonet
There are certain seeds that are known to produce some of the best blue gem patterns for the M9 Bayonet Case Hardened. Here are some of the most notable ones:
- Seed 387 (Tier 1 Blue Gem)
- Features almost 100% blue coverage on the play side of the blade and is considered one of the best and most valuable Blue Gem seeds.
- Seed 179 (Tier 1 Blue Gem)
- Another top-tier blue gem with extensive blue coverage, it is highly prized by collectors for its stunning appearance.
- Seed 669 (Tier 2 Blue Gem)
- Slightly less blue coverage compared to tier 1 seeds but is still highly desirable thanks to its beautiful blue pattern with some additional color elements.
- Seed 444 (Tier 2 Blue Gem)
- Known for its unique pattern with significant blue areas, it’s highly valued for its distinct look among Blue Gems.
- Seed 295 (Tier 3 Blue Gem)
- Features noticeable blue coverage with more prominent mixed colors. And while it’s not as rare as tier 1 or 2, it is still considered a valuable Blue Gem.
Factors Influencing the Value of Blue Gems
Here are the main factors that contribute to the value of Blue Gem M9 Bayonet Case Hardened skins:
- Blue Coverage:
- The biggest factor is the amount of blue on the blade. The more blue that’s present, the higher the value.
- Pattern Symmetry:
- The symmetry and aesthetic appeal of the pattern also play a role. Patterns that look great and are balanced are more popular.
- Condition:
- The wear level of the knife (indicated by the skin’s “float value”) will affect its value. Factory New or Minimal Wear conditions are the most desirable.
- Market Demand:
- The demand for specific patterns can fluctuate – and affect the prices accordingly. Highly coveted seeds will always get top dollar.
- Rarity:
- The overall rarity of the Blue Gem pattern compared to other Case Hardened skins also adds to its exclusivity and value.
A Detailed Breakdown
Let’s take a more detailed look at the different tiers of Blue Gems along with their characteristics:
Tier 0: 601
- The M9 Bayonet | Case Hardened pattern 601 is the most expensive M9 Bayonet skin. Only 13 exist – and none in Factory New condition. Recently, the #1 float of this pattern (0.096) sold for a massive $68,315.
Tier 1: 58, 107, 150, 239, 253, 349, 354, 403, 406, 417, 449, 503, 517, 523, 550, 585, 634, 675, 897, 946
- Tier 1 Blue Gems have an almost entirely blue playside with just a few small spots of yellow – and are the second best patterns. The more blue on the playside, the more sought-after and expensive it is. Pattern #417 is particularly popular, with recent sales reaching up to as much as $30,000.
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 2 Blue Gems also have mainly blue coverage but can have up to 20% of the playside in yellow. Because they have slightly less blue than Tier 1, they are generally more affordable.
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
- The Tier 3 Blue Gems are more numerous due to having less stringent criteria. They typically have between 40% and 60% of their playside covered in blue, so it has a solid Blue Gem appearance but it doesn’t quite reach the perfection of the higher tiers.
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
- Tier 4 Blue Gems are much more common and varied in terms of blue coverage – usually ranging from 30% to 50% of the playside covered in blue. Because there are plenty around, they’re a great way to get hold of a Blue Gem at a more accessible price point.
Whether you’re a collector or trader, understanding these tiers can help you to identify and assess the worth of Blue Gem skins in the CS marketplace.
Collecting Blue Gems
Collecting Blue Gem M9 Bayonet Case Hardened knives is hugely popular with CS players. Here are some tips if you’re thinking of becoming a collector:
- Research and Knowledge:
- Be sure to familiarize yourself with the different seed patterns and their rankings. Knowing which seeds are considered Blue Gems is essential.
- Market Monitoring:
- Keep an eye on marketplaces like Steam Market, CS trading sites, and forums. Prices can vary… and good deals might pop up occasionally.
- Networking:
- Become a part of the CS community. Joining trading groups and forums can help you find sellers and get advice from more experienced collectors.
- Budgeting:
- Blue Gems can be seriously expensive. Set a budget and be prepared to negotiate, as prices can be super high for top-tier patterns.
- Verification:
- Always verify the pattern and condition before making a purchase. Request screenshots or inspect the knife in-game to make sure that it meets your expectations.
The appeal of Blue Gem M9 Bayonet Case Hardened skins lies in their beauty, rarity, and status symbol within the CS community. Owning a top-tier Blue Gem is a mark of prestige… and it can be a real conversation starter! The bright blue colors, contrasted with the rugged design of the M9 Bayonet, are nothing less than striking – and beautiful, making it a real favorite with skin collectors and enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The M9 Bayonet Case Hardened Blue Gem is more than just a skin you get in various drops and cases; this is a piece of CS history and culture. Its rarity and stunning look make it a prized possession for any CS player.
Making sure you understand the different seed patterns, market dynamics, and the various factors that influence their value can help you navigate the world of Blue Gem collecting. Whether you’re new to collecting, or have some experience, the thrill of finding and owning a Blue Gem is one like no other… and really can add a whole new dimension to your CS journey.