🎯 What is the AK-47 Redline?
The AK-47 | Redline is the most popular sticker craft base in CS2 and one of the most consistently traded skins in the game's history. Released in February 2014 with the Phoenix Case, the Redline's minimalist dark design with red accent lines makes it the perfect canvas for applied stickers — particularly Crown Foils and Katowice 2014 holos. Live prices for every wear live on the AK-47 | Redline hub.
The skin features a matte black body with clean red pinstripe accents running along the weapon. Its understated design lets applied stickers take center stage, which is why it has become the go-to base skin for some of the most valuable crafts in CS2.
Flavor Text: "By the time you're close enough to notice the red line, it's already too late"
📊 Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Weapon | AK-47 |
| Case | Operation Phoenix Case |
| Released | February 2014 |
| Rarity | Classified (Pink) |
| Available Wears | Minimal Wear – Battle-Scarred (no Factory New) |
| Float Range | 0.10 – 0.70 |
| StatTrak Available | Yes |
| Best wear | Minimal Wear (cleanest available) |
| Live Price | $27.58 (FT) · $139 (MW) |
📜 Why It's an Essential Skin
The Perfect Sticker Canvas
The Redline's popularity as a craft base stems from several design factors:
- Dark matte background — Stickers pop against the black body with maximum contrast
- Clean surface — Minimal design elements that don't compete with applied stickers
- Red accents — Complement many popular sticker color schemes
- Affordable base — At ~$27.58 for Field-Tested, it's accessible for crafters at every budget level
- Available in StatTrak — ST versions add an extra layer of desirability for crafts
Market Index Skin
The AK-47 Redline FT has historically served as an informal market index for the CS skin economy. Its extremely high trade volume, stable demand, and consistent pricing make it a reliable barometer for overall market health. When Redline FT prices move, the broader market often follows.
🏷️ The Sticker Canvas — Applied Value Guide
Crown Foil on Redline
The AK-47 Redline with Crown Foil stickers is one of the most iconic and popular crafts in CS2.
| Placement | Applied Value (Crown Foil) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wood (above grip) | +$50 – $150 | Best single-sticker position. The "Crown on wood" Redline is the most popular entry-level premium craft |
| 4x Crown Foil | +$200 – $500 | Full quad Crown craft — clean, prestigious |
⚠️ Placement Matters
A Crown Foil on the wood position of a Redline can add $50-$150 in applied value. The same sticker on the stock might add only $10-20. Always check placement before paying premium prices.
Katowice 2014 Crafts
The Redline is the single most popular base skin for Katowice 2014 sticker crafts due to its affordability and visual compatibility.
| Craft | Est. Applied Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4x iBUYPOWER (Holo) | $400,000+ | The most legendary Redline craft |
| 4x Titan (Holo) | $500,000+ | Blue Titan on black — iconic contrast |
| 1x iBUYPOWER (Holo) on wood | $10,000 – $20,000 | Single best sticker position |
| 4x Katowice 2014 (non-holo) | $500 – $5,000 | More affordable Kato crafts |
| Mixed Katowice 2014 Holos | $50,000 – $200,000+ | "Rainbow" crafts |
Other Popular Redline Crafts
| Craft | Notes |
|---|---|
| 4x LGB (Holo) Katowice 2014 | Red LGB holos match the red Redline accents perfectly |
| 4x Complexity (Holo) Katowice 2014 | Red/blue complexity works well on dark base |
| 4x Howling Dawn | Fire wolf stickers on a popular rifle |
| 4x Navi (Holo) Katowice 2014 | Yellow on black — strong contrast |
🎨 Wear & Float Guide
The Redline has an unusual float range — it cannot drop in Factory New. The minimum float is 0.10 and the maximum is 0.70, so the wear ladder starts at Minimal Wear. Minimal Wear is the best wear.
| Condition | Float Range | Price | StatTrak | Souvenir | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimal Wear | 0.10 – 0.15 | $139 | $320 | $422 | Best wear — the cleanest copies that actually exist |
| Field-Tested | 0.15 – 0.38 | $27.58 | $65.40 | $128 | Most traded condition — the "standard" Redline |
| Well-Worn | 0.38 – 0.45 | $24.32 | $51.97 | — | Noticeable wear |
| Battle-Scarred | 0.45 – 0.70 | $22.73 | $36.99 | — | Heavy wear but max float only 0.70 |
Live prices for clean (unstickered) copies, aggregated across 40+ marketplaces and updated automatically. See every listing on the AK-47 | Redline price page.
Why there is no Factory New
Factory New in CS2 is 0.00–0.07. The Redline's paint kit starts at 0.10, which is already Minimal Wear, so Factory New copies cannot exist. Listings or guides that quote a ~$400 FN Redline are describing a wear the skin does not drop.
📈 Price History
| Year | FT Price | MW Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | ~$10 – $15 | ~$20 – $30 |
| 2016 | ~$5 | ~$10 |
| 2022 | ~$10 | ~$20 |
| 2026 (live) | $27.58 | $139 |
The Redline FT has been one of the most price-stable skins in CS history, rarely deviating far from the $5–$15 range. Minimal Wear — the best wear — trades at a premium over FT because it is the cleanest copy that can actually drop.
🔍 Compare live AK-47 | Redline prices
Don't overpay — check every wear on the AK-47 | Redline hub. We aggregate pricing from Buff163, Skinport, CSFloat, DMarket, Steam Market, and more so you always get the best deal.
❓ Redline FAQ
Why is the Redline so popular for sticker crafts?
Its dark matte finish creates maximum contrast with applied stickers, and the clean design doesn't compete with sticker artwork. Combined with affordable FT pricing (~$27.58), it's the perfect craft base at every budget level.
Does the AK-47 | Redline come in Factory New?
No. The Redline cannot drop in Factory New. Its float range is 0.10–0.70, and Factory New ends at 0.07. Minimal Wear is the best wear.
Is the Redline a good investment?
As a sticker craft base, the Redline's value is primarily driven by applied stickers rather than the base skin itself. High-float Minimal Wear copies and StatTrak MW have shown consistent demand, and the skin's role as a market index ensures enduring liquidity.
What's the best single sticker to apply on a Redline?
A Crown (Foil) on the wood position is widely considered the best value single-sticker craft. It adds $50-$150 in applied value on a ~$27.58 base skin and is one of the most recognizable crafts in CS2.
➡️ Related Guides
