The ★ Bayonet | Fade is a highly sought-after knife skin in CS2, known for its striking appearance and premium status. As of January 2026, it remains a favorite among collectors and players who appreciate a bold, colorful aesthetic. This particular knife, the Bayonet, is an iconic design, and when paired with the Fade finish, it creates a truly standout item in any inventory. You can find more details on its dedicated page here:
★ Bayonet | Fade (Factory New).
Design
The Fade pattern is characterized by a vibrant gradient of colors, typically transitioning from a bright yellow or gold at one end to a rich pink and purple at the other. On the Bayonet, this gradient covers a significant portion of the blade. The yellow usually starts near the handle or the base of the blade, seamlessly fading into the pink and then the purple towards the tip. This creates a mesmerizing effect that catches the light and stands out in-game. The design is clean and sharp, without any intricate patterns or additional graphics, allowing the beauty of the color transition to be the sole focus. The in-game description notes it’s “spray-painted using mesh fencing and cardboard cutouts as stencils,” hinting at its distinctive, vibrant look.
Condition & Float Values
The appearance of the ★ Bayonet | Fade is heavily influenced by its wear condition, which is determined by its float value. For Fade skins, the difference in float can significantly impact visual appeal and, consequently, market value.
- Factory New (0.00-0.08): This is the most pristine condition available. A Factory New Fade will display the most vibrant, saturated colors, with a smooth, distinct gradient from yellow to pink to purple. The higher the float within this range (closer to 0.08), the very slight dulling or less sharp color transition you might observe, but generally, Factory New Fades look flawless.
- Minimal Wear (0.08-0.15): In Minimal Wear, the colors remain quite vibrant, but you might start to see very subtle signs of wear, such as tiny scratches or a slight dullness compared to a perfect Factory New. The fade effect is still very much intact and appealing.
- Field-Tested (0.15-0.38): At this condition, wear becomes more noticeable. The colors will appear less vibrant and more muted. Visible scratches and scuffs will be present on the blade, especially on the parts covered by the Fade pattern. The smooth color transition might also seem less defined.
- Well-Worn (0.38-0.45): Well-Worn Fades show significant wear. The colors are noticeably duller, and heavy scratching covers the blade. The iconic fade effect might look patchy or less continuous, with some areas appearing more faded than others due to paint loss.
- Battle-Scarred (0.45-1.00): This is the most worn condition. Battle-Scarred Fades exhibit extensive paint loss, severe scratches, and a very dull, desaturated appearance. The vibrant yellow-to-purple gradient is largely lost, often looking more like a heavily scratched, unevenly colored blade. The visual impact of the Fade pattern is greatly diminished.
For a Fade skin, a lower float value (closer to 0) is almost always preferred, as it ensures the richest colors and a more complete, striking gradient.
Market Value
As of January 2026, the market value of the ★ Bayonet | Fade varies considerably across its wear conditions. The listed average market price for the Factory New version is $499.97. This reflects its status as a top-tier knife skin with high demand.
Factory New Bayonet Fades consistently command the highest prices on the Steam Community Market due to their perfect appearance and rarity. Players are willing to pay a premium for the brightest colors and most pristine finish. As you move down the wear conditions, prices decrease significantly. Minimal Wear versions will typically be a noticeable step down from Factory New, offering a good balance between visual quality and cost. Field-Tested prices are considerably lower, making the skin more accessible but with visible compromises in appearance. Well-Worn and Battle-Scarred Bayonet Fades are the most affordable entry points into owning this skin. However, buyers should be aware that the vibrant “Fade” effect is severely diminished at these lower conditions, and the visual quality is much reduced. The demand for cleaner floats in any condition also affects the price, with lower float examples within a wear tier often selling for more.
Bottom Line
The ★ Bayonet | Fade is an excellent choice for players who want a visually stunning knife that stands out. Its vibrant gradient is iconic, and the Bayonet itself is a classic, well-loved knife model.
If you’re looking for an investment piece or want the absolute best visual quality, a Factory New version is the way to go, understanding that it comes with a premium price tag. For those on a tighter budget who still want to experience the Fade pattern, Minimal Wear or even a good Field-Tested example can be a reasonable compromise. However, be prepared for visible wear and less vibrant colors as you move down the condition ladder. Battle-Scarred versions offer the lowest entry cost but sacrifice much of what makes the Fade pattern special. Ultimately, the ★ Bayonet | Fade is a strong contender for anyone seeking a high-tier, visually striking knife in their CS2 inventory.