🔪 What Makes Slaughter Patterns Special?
Slaughter is one of CS2's most pattern-dependent knife finishes. The Slaughter texture contains several distinct shapes — Diamond, Angel, Heart, Phoenix, and more — that appear on different areas of the blade depending on the Pattern Index. Knives with centered, clearly visible premium patterns command significant premiums over standard Slaughter copies.
The finish features a metallic silver/red base with darker red shapes overlaid. The patterns are subtle and require careful inspection to identify, which is why many traders miss premium patterns and why knowledge of Slaughter patterns can lead to profitable trades.
🔷 Pattern Types
Premium Patterns (Highest Value)
| Pattern | Shape | Rarity | Value Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond | Clear diamond/rhombus shape | Rare | +50-200% |
| Full Diamond | Large, perfectly centered diamond | Very rare | +100-300%+ |
| Angel | Wing-like shape resembling an angel | Rare | +30-100% |
| Heart | Heart shape visible on blade | Moderate | +20-60% |
Standard Patterns (Moderate Value)
| Pattern | Shape | Rarity | Value Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | Bird-like shape with spread wings | Moderate | +15-40% |
| Kitty/Cat | Small cat-like face | Uncommon | +10-30% |
| Half Diamond | Partial diamond visible | Common | +10-20% |
| Zebra | Striped pattern, no distinct shapes | Common | Base price |
🔷 Diamond Pattern
The Diamond is the most sought-after Slaughter pattern. It appears as a clear rhombus/diamond shape on the blade.
Diamond Quality Tiers
| Tier | Description | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Full Centered Diamond | Complete diamond, perfectly centered on playside | +100-300% |
| Diamond + Heart Combo | Diamond adjacent to a heart pattern | +80-200% |
| Partial Diamond | Diamond cut off by blade edge | +20-50% |
| Backside Diamond | Diamond on inspect side only | +5-15% |
👼 Angel Pattern
The Angel appears as wing-like shapes extending from a central point, resembling an angel's wings or a butterfly.
- Best value when centered on playside
- Often appears near the blade tip on Karambits
- Can combine with Diamond for premium combos
❤️ Heart Pattern
A heart-shaped pattern that appears on certain Pattern Indexes. Most valuable when:
- Clearly defined — full heart shape visible
- Playside centered — not cut off by blade edge
- Combined with Diamond for the highest premium combos
🕊️ Phoenix Pattern
A bird-like shape with spread wings visible in the Slaughter texture. Less valuable than Diamond or Angel but still commands premiums when clearly visible and well-centered.
🔪 Knife-Specific Tips
| Knife | Best Pattern Showcase | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Karambit | Curved blade showcases patterns dramatically | Diamond on curved section = highest premium |
| M9 Bayonet | Long blade can show multiple patterns | Full Diamond + Angel combos possible |
| Butterfly | Flip animation reveals patterns | Centered Diamond most impactful |
| Bayonet | Standard blade, clear pattern display | Diamond near center preferred |
📊 Approximate Pricing (Karambit FN)
| Pattern | Approx. Price | vs. Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Full Centered Diamond | $600 – $1,200+ | +100-300% |
| Diamond + Heart | $500 – $900 | +80-200% |
| Centered Angel | $350 – $600 | +30-100% |
| Standard/Zebra | $200 – $350 | Base |
🔍 Compare Prices Across 13+ Marketplaces
Don't overpay — check real-time prices for every skin in this guide on SteamAnalyst. We aggregate pricing from Buff163, Skinport, CSFloat, DMarket, Steam Market, and more so you always get the best deal.
❓ FAQ
Are Slaughter patterns the same across knife types?
No. The same Pattern Index produces different visual results on different knife types because the blade shapes and UV mapping are different. Always verify patterns for the specific knife type.
How do I identify a Diamond vs. just random shapes?
A true Diamond is a clear, symmetrical rhombus shape with defined edges. Random Slaughter patterns may look vaguely geometric but lack the clean, defined shape of a premium pattern. Use reference images to train your eye.
Is the playside or backside more important?
Playside always — that's what's visible during normal gameplay. Backside patterns add slight value but are worth far less than playside equivalents.
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