A practical FN/MW decision framework for rifles, knives, and gloves.
Skin images via Steam Community Market CDN.
The real question
Will you notice the difference at fight distance? If not, MW (or even FT) is the value play.
Rifles
Large flat panels show scratches. Busy camouflage hides them. Zoom screenshots to 100% on the receiver before paying FN tax.
Knives and gloves
Gloves punish wear early. Knives vary: some finishes scar on the edge; others keep the show face clean longer.
Rule of thumb
If FN is more than ~30–40% above a clean MW of the same pattern family, demand a screenshot that justifies it.