Will a thousand-dollar budget even buy a Karambit in three years?

[1276amaranth]

Worrying about inflation in the skin market is a real concern for anyone who isn't a "whale" with an endless supply of funds to throw at the screen. I am trying to plan a roadmap for my inventory so I can eventually trade up to a Karambit without having to add more cash later on. It seems like the "floor" for a decent knife keeps rising every six months, and I’m worried that by the time I have my thousand dollars saved up, the only thing I’ll be able to afford is a rusty gut knife. Is it better to buy a mid-tier knife now and hope it appreciates, or should I keep my funds in "liquid" items like cases and stickers until I have enough for the final dream blade?

[amazinglindi]

Cases are generally a safer place to store value if you are looking for long-term growth because their supply only ever goes down, unlike skins which can be affected by new case releases. However, having a knife you actually enjoy using makes the game much more fun, so there is a "utility" value to buying a Karambit now even if the price stays flat. I would look for a "Stained" or "Night" finish in the best wear you can afford, as these are staple items that always have a buyer waiting in the wings. Just make sure you stay away from stat-trak knives if you are looking for a quick resale, as those tend to be much harder to move than the standard versions.