Top 11 Cheapest CS2 Knife Skins You Can Actually Buy
Owning a knife in CS2 can make your inventory feel a lot more complete. Knives have been part of Counter Strike for years and are still some of the most wanted items in the game. The problem is that some of them cost more than the PC you are playing on. Other CS2 knives, like the Blue Gems are a whole different story, with some reaching prices that are simply out of reach for most players.
You do not have to spend a fortune to get a decent knife, though. There are plenty of more affordable options on the CS2 market, and some of them come with surprisingly good looking finishes. We went through the lower priced knives and picked out 11 of the cheapest knife skins in CS2 you can actually buy without completely destroying your wallet.
Our Best Picks for The Cheapest CS2 Knives
These are our 11 picks for the best-value knives in CS2, starting with the cheapest and working up to the ones we think give you the best bang for your buck. It should be noted that price alone was not the only deciding factor here. How good the knife looks relative to its condition and price mattered just as much. This means that while a few of these knives can be found for a couple of dollars less in worse condition, we think that spending a bit more is worth it if the finish looks noticeably better.
- Shadow Daggers | Bright Water – The cheapest CS2 knife on the list, with a clean finish and polarizing design.
- Navaja Knife | Scorched – One of the smallest knives in CS2, with a cheap and simple finish to go with it.
- Kukri Knife | Safari Mesh – A big blade for relatively little money that stays affordable thanks to its basic finish.
- Paracord Knife | Scorched – A cheap CS2 knife with a smooth animation, and enough character to stand out.
- Shadow Daggers | Rust Coat – An affordable Shadow Daggers option with a rougher finish that not everyone will be into.
- Bowie Knife | Black Laminate – Big blade without a huge price tag, paired with a darker finish that keeps it looking sharp.
- Survival Knife | Stained – A simple, rugged knife that stands out without looking overly flashy.
- Huntsman Knife | Bright Water – A classic larger knife with a clean finish and plenty of presence.
- Falchion Knife | Black Laminate – An unusual knife with plenty of character and a simple black finish.
- Nomad Knife | Safari Mesh – A realistic-looking model with a rough finish that does not feel out of place.
- Stiletto Knife | Boreal Forest – A slim, stylish knife with a quick animation and a look that stands apart.
Case Drops and The Odds Behind Them
If you are thinking about whether to open a case or not, the official odds Valve released are worth looking at first. Every case follows the same rarity structure, and pulling a knife or gloves happens about 0.26% of the time. This means that, on average, pulling a knife or a pair of gloves happens roughly once in every 385 openings. But still, this number doesn't guarantee you a knife. The first case you open, as well as the 1,000th case have the exact same odds. So if luck isn't on your side, even the quantity of cases won't help you.
Mil-Spec, the blue skins, make up close to 80% of all drops, so that's what you'll pull most of the time. Restricted shows up around 16% of the time, but these skins usually aren't valuable enough to cover the cost of the case and the key. Classified skins are a step up from that and get closer to turning a profit, though it depends on the case and the current price of the skin you get. Covert is where significant profit becomes much more realistic, as these are the most valuable weapon skins below the Rare Special Item tier.
1. Shadow Daggers | Bright Water
At roughly $46.5 for a Field-Tested version, the Shadow Daggers | Bright Water is the cheapest CS2 knife you can get. The double blade design already makes it a bit unusual, and the Bright Water finish gives it a fairly clean look compared to some of the more basic camo skins.
The Shadow Daggers are a bit of an acquired taste. Having two small blades instead of one makes them look quite different from most other knives, and the animation is probably going to be what decides it for most players. While some like the way they look and feel, others would rather spend the same money on something more traditional.
- Steam Price: Starting from $46.5
- Case: Operation Riptide Case, Dreams & Nightmares Case
- Why Buy It: Sleek finish and one of the cheapest knife options available.
2. Navaja Knife | Scorched
Navaja Knife | Scorched is another extremely affordable CS2 knife, with Field-Tested listings starting at around $51 on the marketplace. It is one of the smallest knives in CS2, and the Scorched finish is not exactly known for looking luxurious. That is a big part of why this combination stays so cheap.
With its small size, a pretty forgettable animation, and most cheap finishes doing little to make it look better, the Navaja hardly stands out as anyone’s first choice. Scorched is fine if you just want something simple, but we would not expect this to be the knife that makes you fall in love with having a knife in CS2.
- Steam Price: Starting from $51.
- Case: Horizon Case, Danger Zone Case
- Why Buy It: One of the lowest entry prices for a CS2 knife.
3. Kukri Knife | Safari Mesh
Kukri Knife | Safari Mesh comes in at around $51 for Field-Tested versions. While Kukri is one of the new CS2 knives, it’s one of the more interesting cheap CS2 knives on the list, mainly because of the Kukri model itself. Its large blade gives it a much stronger presence than the Navaja, while the Safari Mesh finish helps keep the price down.
The blade is probably the main reason to go for the Kukri over the two knives above. Its larger size means that even something basic like Safari Mesh does not look quite as plain when equipped. Safari Mesh is not the most exciting finish out there, but it fits the Kukri pretty well. The nicer finishes definitely look better, but they also cost quite a bit more for what is still the same knife.
- Steam Price: Starting from $51
- Case: Kilowatt Case, Gallery Case
- Why Buy It: Large blade with a distinctive look.
4. Paracord Knife | Scorched
The Paracord is a knife that gets a fair amount of love from CS2 players, and it is easy to see why. The silhouette is probably its biggest selling point, especially if you have spent enough time looking at the usual budget knives. A Well-Worn Paracord Knife | Scorched can be found for around $75, which is not bad for a knife with this kind of look.
When it comes to actually owning a Paracord knife, lower end finishes can feel almost secondary. While the Scorched skin is far from the most coveted, it keeps the price down without affecting the knife’s overall appeal too much.
- Steam Price: Starting from $75
- Case: Shattered Web Case, Fracture Case
- Why Buy It: A less common knife model.
5. Shadow Daggers | Rust Coat
Shadow Daggers | Rust Coat can usually be found for around $50 in Battle-Scarred condition, although prices tend to bounce around a little. When it was released in CS:GO, the knife was already not the most popular one, which made this the cheapest CS:GO knife. Rust Coat gives the Daggers a heavily worn appearance, so this is not the pick for someone who wants a clean looking knife. For everyone else, it is a cheap way to get the Shadow Daggers and their unusual animation.
It should be noted that the Rust Coat finish has a 0.40 - 1.00 float range, meaning it’s only available in Well-Worn and Battle-Scarred condition. And truth be told, Valve’s attention to detail perfectly suits the rusty, worn-out look of these Daggers. While some players do love it, it will probably not be the vast majority’s cup of tea.
- Steam Price: Starting from $50
- Case: Spectrum Case, Spectrum 2 Case
- Why Buy It: Cheap price and an unusual dual knife animation.
6. Bowie Knife | Black Laminate
If the smaller knives do not really do it for you, the Bowie Knife | Black Laminate is a different story. A Well-Worn one starts at roughly $68, and the size of the blade gives it a much stronger presence than the Navaja or Shadow Daggers. The Black Laminate finish is pretty simple, with a darker look that suits the Bowie quite well.
The Bowie has been around for years, and has remained one of the largest knives in the game. Along with its sheer size, it also sports a heavier, more meaty animation that many fans gravitate towards, especially when compared to the smaller knives on this list.
- Steam Price: Starting from $68
- Case: Operation Riptide Case, Dreams & Nightmares Case
- Why Buy It: Bigger blade and a clean, dark finish.
7. Survival Knife | Stained
Some CS2 knives look like they belong in a collection. The Survival Knife | Stained looks like it belongs in someone's backpack. The model is based on a real life survival knife, and the Stained finish gives it an appropriately rough appearance. You can find one from around $70, making it a fairly interesting choice for the price.
While a lot of the more expensive knives get their appeal from looking rare or unusual, the Survival knife goes in the complete opposite direction. In a sea of knife models that look like they were made for killing, this one looks like something Bear Grylls would probably approve of and carry.
- Steam Price: Starting from $70
- Case: Shattered Web Case, Fracture Case
- Why Buy It: Rugged model that looks different from the usual knives.
8. Huntsman Knife | Bright Water
The Huntsman Knife is a pretty safe choice if you want a bigger knife without spending a crazy amount. The model has been in CS for years and still looks good in game, especially with the Bright Water finish. It also has some nice animations, which is always a plus when you are going to be staring at the thing every round. Field Tested versions start at around $74.
Truth be told, the Huntsman Knife just feels very Counter-Strike. It is a big, simple, mean-looking knife with a large enough blade to carry its skin well. Bright Water itself can still look pretty good with some wear and tear, so if you are willing to accept a few scratches, it is not too far out of anyone’s budget.
- Steam Price: Starting from $74
- Case: Operation Riptide Case, Dreams & Nightmares Case
- Why Buy It: Bigger model with a clean finish
9. Falchion Knife | Black Laminate
The Falchion Knife has one of the more unusual designs you will find at this price. Its curved blade already makes it stand out, while the animation gives it something extra when you pull it out in game. Black Laminate is a fairly simple finish, but it works well with the shape of the knife. Well Worn versions start at around $85, making it a solid cheap knife in CS2.
The Falchion looks different without being too much. Coupled with its old school charm, it makes the kind of knife that can sit in an inventory for a long time without getting old. The Black Laminate pattern works well with that entire vibe, keeping the whole thing looking pretty clean and simple.
- Steam Price: Starting from $85
- Case: Operation Riptide Case, Dreams & Nightmares Case
- Why Buy It: Unusual shape with a memorable animation
10. Nomad Knife | Safari Mesh
The Nomad Knife is one of the larger and more modern knife models in CS2. Its design is fairly realistic compared to some of the more exaggerated knives, which gives it a different feel in game. The Safari Mesh finish is rough around the edges, but that is also what keeps the price down. Well Worn versions currently start at around $104.
The Nomad is probably one of the few knives where Safari Mesh actually feels like it belongs there. The desert camo just works with the whole nomad style, and the beat-up finish makes it look like it has seen some field use.
- Steam price: Starting from $104
- Case: Shattered Web Case, Fracture Case
- Why Buy It: Realistic model with a rugged finish
11. Stiletto Knife | Boreal Forest
The Stiletto Knife has a pretty unique feel compared with most of the other knives here. The blade is thin and the switchblade animation is quick, which gives the model plenty of character. The Boreal Forest finish is more on the basic side, but the Stiletto does not really need a flashy skin to stand out. You are looking at roughly $166 for Field Tested.
Not every knife needs to look intimidating. The Stiletto is more about style than trying to look like a huge weapon. It has a completely different appeal, with what some might call a more feminine quality compared to the heavier designs, but it still has a certain sense of lethality to it. Boreal Forest probably is not the first skin that comes to mind for that kind of look, but it does make the Stiletto cheaper to pick up than most other finishes.
- Steam Price: Starting from $166
- Case: Horizon Case, Danger Zone Case
- Why Buy It: Unique shape and a quick animation
What Makes the Cheapest CS2 Knives So Affordable?
There are several factors that keep the cheapest CS2 knives relatively affordable. The one that matters most is the type of knife itself. Some shapes are simply more desirable than others, whether that's how the blade is shaped or how much surface area it gives a skin to actually show off. CS2 knives with bigger, wider blades like the M9 Bayonet simply make the skin more noticeable. On the other hand, a Karambit or Butterfly stays expensive mostly because of how iconic the shape and draw animation are, not because of surface area.
This is where knives like the Navaja Knife, Shadow Daggers, and Gut Knife come into the picture. Their designs are simply less popular with most players, which puts them at a disadvantage compared with the more iconic models. The Navaja has a smaller blade and a less distinctive animation, while the Shadow Daggers use a dual-knife design that tends to be more of an acquired taste. The Gut Knife sits somewhere in the middle, but its animation and overall shape have never reached the same level of popularity as the Butterfly or Karambit.
Appearance and Demand Go Hand in Hand
Along with the knife shape, the next biggest factor that impacts the actual price is the finish, or skin itself. Finishes such as Safari Mesh, Boreal Forest, Forest DDPAT, Scorched, Stained, and Urban Masked generally have much less demand than finishes such as Fade, Doppler, or Marble Fade.
The condition of the knife is another thing that can have a noticeable effect on the price. If you do not mind a few scratches, going for a Field-Tested can save you quite a bit compared with buying the same knife in Factory New. The exact float can also make a difference, even between two knives with the same wear condition, as some will look noticeably cleaner than others.
Pattern is a little different, though, and how much it matters depends on the finish. For something like Safari Mesh, it usually will not make much difference, while Case Hardened is a completely different story. Certain patterns can be worth far more than the regular versions, so sticking with an ordinary pattern is another way to keep the price down.
Finally, we have supply as another effect on how cheap a knife can be. When there are plenty of copies of the same knife and finish available, buyers have more options and sellers have to compete for their attention. If a knife is common and there is not much demand for it, there is little reason for sellers to charge a premium, which helps keep the price low.
Final Thoughts
A good looking CS2 inventory does not have to cost a fortune. You can get a knife for around $50, and can still turn heads on the server. So, if you want to add a knife without spending hundreds of dollars, there are quite a few options.
There are plenty of other knives we could have included, but these are a good place to start. Have a look around, pick the one you actually like and go with it. At the end of the day, you are the one who has to look at it every round.
FAQs
What is the cheapest knife in CS2?
There is no single cheapest knife in CS2, as prices are often fluctuating, but Shadow Daggers and Navaja Knife are usually among the best budget knives in CS2. Cheap finishes and higher-wear conditions such as Battle-Scarred can bring the price down significantly.
How much does the cheapest CS2 knife cost?
The cheapest CS2 knife skins generally start around $50–$60 on the Steam Community Market, although prices constantly change depending on the knife, finish, wear condition and current supply. You might find them even cheaper in third-party marketplaces, where the prices are usually 15%-20% cheaper.
What are the cheapest knives in CS2?
Some of the cheapest knives in CS2 include the Navaja Knife, Shadow Daggers, Kukri Knife, Paracord Knife and Gut Knife.
Is it worth buying a cheap knife in CS2?
If your main goal is to have a knife without breaking the bank, then YES, it is worth buying a cheap CS2 knife. Even the best budget knives in CS2 still provide the same basic gameplay function, but with unique looks and knife animations.
What is the cheapest Knife trade-up in CS2?
At the moment, for the cheapest trade-up for a Knife in CS2 you'll need 5 of the cheapest Coverts in CS2 that can get you a knife. Right now, that skin is AWP | Chrome Cannon, which costs you around $22, and can drop you a Kukri Knife.
What is the cheapest Butterfly Knife in CS2?
The cheapest Butterfly Knife in CS2, at the moment, is the Butterfly Knife | Safari Mesh in Field-Tested condition. Its listings start at around $405. There are also other cheap Butterfly Knives in CS2 that have a close starting price, such as Forest DDPAT and Scorched finishes.
What is the cheapest way to get a Knife in CS2?
Buying a knife is usually the cheapest and easiest way to get a knife in CS2. Case opening can lead to heavy losses, while trade-ups guarantee a knife but not the finish. You might profit, but you can just as easily end up with far less than what you spent. If you
