Cheapest CS2 (CS:GO) Knife: Best Affordable CS2 Knives to Buy 

You probably know that owning a knife in CS2 is every player’s dream, but not everyone is willing to empty their wallet for one. There’s a myth that this is a luxury only for the rich, but the reality is a bit different. The market currently offers plenty of options even for a modest budget, and you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to spin something stylish in your hands.

We analyzed all the available options to find the cheapest CS2 (CS:GO) knife that you won’t be ashamed to show off in matchmaking. In this guide, we’ve gathered the best budget CS2 knives that are worth every penny.

What Is the Cheapest Knife in CS2 (CS:GO)?

The cheapest knives in CS2 actually make up a pretty large share of the market. Usually, these are either unpopular models that players find less visually appealing or specific skins. For example, Bright Water, Safari Mesh, or other finishes that don’t really make your weapon pop. When you combine a dull skin with an unpopular knife model, the price naturally drops significantly.

Most often, the Navaja Knife or Shadow Daggers in finishes like Safari Mesh, Scorched, or Forest DDPAT in Battle-Scarred condition are the cheapest on the market. However, the recent trade-up contract update has really changed the rules of the game, and now, for the same price those knives used to cost, you can pick up much better options, such as the Kukri Knife, Paracord Knife, or other models, depending on the skin and condition.

Still, the goal of our article is to find the absolutely cheapest CS2 (CS:GO) skins on the market, and that’s exactly what we did. We found the best, cheapest knives that will help you stand out in the game without overpaying a single cent, and most importantly, we chose the best possible options purely for their visual appeal!

Cheapest Knife Types in CS2

As we mentioned earlier, a knife’s price depends not just on the CS2 rarity and pattern, but on the model itself. There are certain knife types the community likes less than others due to their animations, size, or shape. That’s why they consistently hold the status of the least expensive CS2 (CS:GO) knife on the market. Here is the “big three” of the budget segment:

• Shadow Daggers 78 Covert 0 Classified 0 Restricted 0 Mil-Spec 0 Industrial Grade 34 Normal 44 StatTrak™ 0 Souvenir All Shadow Daggers CS2 Skins Check the Lowest Price – These are the only dual-wielded knives in the game, making them unique. However, due to their specific compact shape and small size, demand isn’t as high as it is for larger blades. They used to have a bug where the crosshair would shake when deploying them, but this was fixed in CS2. Now, they’re a great option to get unique animations for a reasonable price, even if people sometimes make not-so-nice jokes about them!
• Navaja Knife 58 Covert 0 Classified 0 Restricted 0 Mil-Spec 0 Industrial Grade 26 Normal 32 StatTrak™ 0 Souvenir All Navaja Knife CS2 Skins Check the Lowest Price – This is minimalism in its purest form. It has a very simple deploy animation and a small blade. Many players don’t like that the handle takes up most of the model, while the skin pattern is only visible on the tiny blade. Because of this simplicity, the Navaja is often the cheapest listing on any marketplace, though some people do like it.
• Gut Knife 82 Covert 0 Classified 0 Restricted 0 Mil-Spec 0 Industrial Grade 36 Normal 46 StatTrak™ 0 Souvenir All Gut Knife CS2 Skins Check the Lowest Price – Compared to the previous one, this big guy has a wide blade with a signature hook at the end. Its main issue, according to players, is the wooden handle that doesn’t get covered by the skin (except for special versions like Lore or Autotronic). However, thanks to that wide blade, finishes like Doppler or Fade look absolutely amazing on it. This is probably the best choice among the cheap options if you really want the skin to pop.

Now that the main models of the cheapest CS2 knives are clear, let’s move on to our top list of the cheapest knives in CS2 (CS:GO)!

Best Cheap CS2 (CS:GO) knives

We’ve picked out five contenders that currently offer the best balance between price and visual style. This isn’t just our take, but a sentiment shared by many players based on some research we conducted. So, this isn’t just a list of the absolute cheapest listings. These are good, cheap CS2 knives that actually have something special going for them.

Navaja Knife | Safari Mesh

This is the undisputed champion of affordability. The Navaja is often overlooked due to its small blade size, but the Navaja Knife | Safari Mesh 1 Covert 0 Classified 0 Restricted 0 Mil-Spec 0 Industrial Grade 0 Normal 0 StatTrak™ 0 Souvenir All Navaja Knife CS2 Skins This marble-enamel-handled flip knife conceals a small but viciously tapered blade. It has been spray-painted using mesh fencing and cardboard cutouts as stencils. A predator is a predator, no matter the environment Check the Lowest Price finish gives it the vibe of a simple, rugged survival tool. It’s the perfect, cheapest CS2 knife for anyone who just wants to replace their default knife without overpaying for flashy pixels.

• Price History: Historically, this has been the most accessible knife in the game. For a long time, its price hovered around the $80.00-$100.00 mark. However, after updates to trade-up contracts saturated the market, it has become the least expensive CS2 (CS:GO) knife available – you can often snag one for as low as $55.00 on third-party marketplaces.
• Rarity: Covert (Red).
• Origin: First appeared in-game on August 2, 2018, alongside the release of the Horizon Case.
• Why It’s Valuable: Its main value isn’t its aesthetics, but its price point. It represents the lowest barrier to entry for owning a knife.

Pros & Cons:

• Lowest price on the market.
• Modest design fits well with military-themed loadouts.
• Small blade doesn’t show off the skin very well.
• The draw animation is pretty basic.

Paracord Knife | Scorched

The Paracord used to be considered a mid-tier knife, but now it has become much more accessible to everyone. It sports an aggressive tactical look with a handle wrapped in paracord, giving it that special forces vibe. The Paracord Knife | Scorched 1 Covert 0 Classified 0 Restricted 0 Mil-Spec 0 Industrial Grade 0 Normal 0 StatTrak™ 0 Souvenir All Paracord Knife CS2 Skins This fixed-blade survival knife is designed to withstand being used as both a weapon and a tool, such as for setting traps, hunting animals or cutting foliage. The handle is wrapped in a length of multi-purpose paracord. It has been spray-painted in a sun-dappled pattern. The Phoenix is not a symbol of destruction... it's a symbol of rebirth - Valeria Jenner, Revolutionary Check the Lowest Price skin gives it a fire-forged appearance that fits perfectly with the blade’s rugged shape.

• Price History: At release, the price for this knife was significantly higher, often topping $150.00. However, over time, and especially after recent market changes, it has entered the “CS2 knife for sale” category at a very attractive price point, often dropping to $75.00-$85.00 for worn versions.
• Rarity: Covert (Red).
• Origin: Added to the game on November 18, 2019, as part of Operation Shattered Web.
• Why It’s Valuable: Its value lies in the unique hand-to-hand flip animation (the “rare inspect”), which looks professional and high-end.

Pros & Cons:

• Cool inspect animation.
• Looks massive and threatening.
• In the Battle-Scarred version, it looks quite dark.

Kukri Knife | Forest DDPAT

Well, we aren’t just going to fill our list with old models of the (CS:GO) CS2 budget knives, so here is the freshest addition to the game that immediately grabbed attention with its machete-like shape. The Kukri looks massive and dangerous, and its animations (especially the rare inspect where the character spins the knife) are simply mesmerizing. The Kukri Knife | Forest DDPAT 1 Covert 0 Classified 0 Restricted 0 Mil-Spec 0 Industrial Grade 0 Normal 0 StatTrak™ 0 Souvenir All Kukri Knife CS2 Skins Used in traditional rituals, such as weddings or stabbings. It has been painted using a Digital Disruptive Pattern (DDPAT) hydrographic. By the time you're close enough to notice the pixels it's already too late Check the Lowest Price skin fits its “jungle” origins perfectly, turning it into a real survival tool, but the best part about this skin is that it’s genuinely cheap!

• Price History: At launch, prices were sky-high due to the hype surrounding the new case. But now the dust has settled, and thanks to new trade-ups, these are among the best budget knives (CS:GO) CS2 for new models. The price has stabilized and become affordable for those wanting fresh animations without overpaying. Currently, it sits around $130 for FN and $50 for BS quality.
• Rarity: Covert (Red).
• Origin: Appeared in the game on February 6, 2024, alongside the big “Call to Arms” update.
• Why It’s Valuable: Its main selling point is the novelty and the unique blade shape, which stands out from everything that came before.

Pros & Cons:

• Fresh model with cool animations.
• Massive blade that is clearly visible on screen.
• In Battle-Scarred condition, the camo can look too worn out.

Shadow Daggers | Rust Coat

If you’re into the “post-apocalyptic” style, this is the choice for you. Shadow Daggers | Rust Coat 1 Covert 0 Classified 0 Restricted 0 Mil-Spec 0 Industrial Grade 0 Normal 0 StatTrak™ 0 Souvenir All Shadow Daggers CS2 Skins Designed for efficient brutality, using a push dagger is as simple as throwing a punch or two. It is still perfectly operational although the exterior surfaces have rusted. Some people don't need to hide how dirty their deeds are Check the Lowest Price skin has a unique feature: they don’t look worse as the quality drops. On the contrary, the higher the CS2 (CS:GO) Float (wear value), the more rust appears, and the more orange and “toxic” they become. These are some of the cheap knives in (CS:GO) CS2 that actually look stylish in the lowest condition, though many people really don’t get why you’d run around with rusty knives.

• Price History: The price for these best cheap CS2 knives has always been reasonable, fluctuating between $80.00-$90.00. They consistently held the bar for affordability, but with updates, they have become some of the cheapest knives in CS2 overall, starting from just $35 up to $55.
• Rarity: Covert (Red).
• Origin: Added on September 15, 2017.
• Why It’s Valuable: They are the only dual-wield knives in the game, and at such a low price too.

Pros & Cons:

• Unique dual-handed grip.
• The rust hides scratches, making the knife look consistent.
• Small model size on the screen.

Falchion Knife | Urban Masked

For many, the Falchion is a classic of budget gaming. It’s a folding knife that features one of the best “secret” animations in the game: a chance to balance it on the palm during an inspect. The Falchion Knife | Urban Masked 1 Covert 0 Classified 0 Restricted 0 Mil-Spec 0 Industrial Grade 0 Normal 0 StatTrak™ 0 Souvenir All Falchion Knife CS2 Skins A modern homage to a falchion sword, this clip point blade has a curved edge. It has been spray-painted using a tangle of masking tape as a stencil. True power is demonstrated with subtle application Check the Lowest Price skin (white-gray camo) gives it a clean and stern look reminiscent of winter spec-ops. It’s a great, affordable CS2 (CS:GO) knife for those who like bright skins.

• Price History: The Falchion has never been overly expensive, making it a community favorite. Its price rarely spikes, making it a reliable purchase for your money ($70.00-$80.00).
• Rarity: Covert (Red).
• Origin: First appeared on May 26, 2015, in the Falchion Case during Operation Bloodhound.
• Why It’s Valuable: The rare palm-balancing animation is the main reason players choose the Falchion. It’s a free stress relief during a round.

Pros & Cons:

• Large blade area, the skin is clearly visible.
• Very cool, rare animation.
• The handle covers part of the blade when closed.

Other Affordable CS2 Knife Options

If our top five picks didn’t catch your eye, don’t worry. The market is flooded right now, so we’ve broken down the best deals by budget. This will help you see exactly how much style you can get for your money. By the way, if you want to see how these blades rank among players, be sure to check out our CS2 knife tier list to see what’s currently meta.

Here is the finished section with your list of knives. We added some “juicy” descriptions that highlight why it’s a great time to buy right now, and I also integrated the rest of the required Internal Links with the correct anchors.

Best Knives Under $250

Some real magic is happening in this category right now. Thanks to recent market shifts, skins that we used to only dream about have actually landed in this price range. By the way, if you want to get really good at understanding the CS2 economy, make sure to check out our guide!

• Talon Knife | Rust Coat 1 Covert 0 Classified 0 Restricted 0 Mil-Spec 0 Industrial Grade 0 Normal 0 StatTrak™ 0 Souvenir All Talon Knife CS2 Skins This ivory-handled karambit features brass rivets and saw-tooth ridges, so it cuts on the way in, and tears on the way out. It is still perfectly operational although the exterior surfaces have rusted. Some people don't need to hide how dirty their deeds are Check the Lowest Price – People often call this the cheapest CS2 (CS:GO) knife a copy, or maybe the brother, of the Karambit, thanks to that signature finger-spin animation. The Rust Coat looks especially sick on the Talon: the rusty blade creates a great contrast with the white ivory handle. You can currently find Battle-Scarred versions for around $240.00. This is the cheapest route to getting that top-tier animation.
• Bayonet | Lore 1 Covert 0 Classified 0 Restricted 0 Mil-Spec 0 Industrial Grade 0 Normal 0 StatTrak™ 0 Souvenir All M9 Bayonet CS2 Skins This is the M-9 bayonet. Originally intended to be mounted on a rifle, it is also well suited to close-quarters combat. It has been custom painted with knotwork. Check the Lowest Price – You could easily call this a legendary skin since practically every player knows it. While this finish commands insane prices on other knives, the price has dipped on the classic Bayonet. Pieces in Field-Tested, Well-Worn, and Battle-Scarred conditions are currently trading in the $220.00-$240.00 range. Plus, that golden pattern on the blade looks premium even with some scratches.
• Skeleton Knife | Damascus Steel 0 Covert 0 Classified 0 Restricted 0 Mil-Spec 0 Industrial Grade 0 Normal 0 StatTrak™ 0 Souvenir All Skeleton Knife CS2 Skins This skeletonized-tang knife has been taped at the handle for improved grip. The hole allows a finger to be threaded through for stability and safety. It has been forged from a billet made from two different types of carbon steel. Finally, a weapon strong enough to match your resolve Check the Lowest Price – The Skeleton is a relatively new and heavily hyped knife. Snagging one in Factory New for just $250.00 is an absolute steal. Damascus Steel interacts beautifully with the lighting in CS2, and it looks mesmerizing on the Skeleton’s wide blade. If you opt for higher wear, it gets even cheaper, so you can save even more cash.

Best Cheap Knives Under $150

This is the perfect category for those working with a mid-range budget. You can find some really solid and good cheap CS2 knives here. By the way, before you buy, don’t forget to check your CS2 (CS:GO) inventory value – you might have a dusty case or an unwanted skin sitting in your inventory that could cover the difference for a better upgrade.

• Nomad Knife | Stained 1 Covert 0 Classified 0 Restricted 0 Mil-Spec 0 Industrial Grade 0 Normal 0 StatTrak™ 0 Souvenir All Nomad Knife CS2 Skins This ergonomic tactical hunting lock-blade knife features composite handle inserts and a broad, sturdy blade, useful for cutting and prying apart material. It has been given a forced patina using lemon and mustard dripped onto the surface. If you think it's messy now, wait until you see it under a blacklight Check the Lowest Price – The Nomad Knife features one of the most unique rare animations in the game (the one with the small self-cut animation). The Stained finish looks much brighter and more realistic in the new CS2 lighting. Minimal Wear versions and below are currently going for under $136.00, making it a great choice for fans of realism.
• Flip Knife | Damascus Steel 1 Covert 0 Classified 0 Restricted 0 Mil-Spec 0 Industrial Grade 0 Normal 0 StatTrak™ 0 Souvenir All Flip Knife CS2 Skins Flip knives sport a Persian-style back-swept blade with an acute point. While the point itself may be fragile, the overall design of the flip knife's design is surprisingly durable. It has been forged from a billet made from two different types of carbon steel. Finally, a weapon strong enough to match your resolve Check the Lowest Price – The Flip Knife is an absolute classic. It’s compact, looks very clean, and has a satisfying opening sound. With the Damascus Steel finish ($120.00-$140.00), it looks like a genuine tactical weapon made of real steel. It’s the cheapest CS2 (CS:GO) knife you’ll never get tired of.
• Survival Knife | Tiger Tooth 0 Covert 0 Classified 0 Restricted 0 Mil-Spec 0 Industrial Grade 0 Normal 0 StatTrak™ 0 Souvenir All Survival Knife CS2 Skins This multi-purpose tactical knife features a serrated edge for ripping through coarse material like bone or fiber, plus a sharp gutting hook. The composite material handle is bolted to the blade with hex nuts. It has been anodized orange and hand-etched in a tiger stripe pattern. Like the tiger it is rare... like the tiger it is deadly... Check the Lowest Price – A Tiger Tooth at this price point? Yes, seriously. The Survival Knife has a massive, wide blade, which means you get a lot of gold surface area. Finding a Tiger Tooth in the $110.00-$130.00 range is totally doable right now; thanks to the update to trade-up contracts, you can easily add this legendary skin to your loadout!

Best Cheap Knives Under $60

Now we’ve reached the lowest tier– the territory of maximum savings, so to speak. By the way, to snag the lowest prices, you’re better off monitoring the best CS2 (CS:GO) markets. On the official Steam Market, deals like these are snapped up in seconds and appear extremely rarely.

• Shadow Daggers | Autotronic 1 Covert 0 Classified 0 Restricted 0 Mil-Spec 0 Industrial Grade 0 Normal 0 StatTrak™ 0 Souvenir All Shadow Daggers CS2 Skins Designed for efficient brutality, using a push dagger is as simple as throwing a punch or two. It has been anodized red and uses steel mesh to lighten the weight. Check the Lowest Price – The Autotronic series (steel + red accent) has always been considered premium. But on the Daggers, you can pick it up for $55.00-$60.00 (MW-BS). Even in Factory New, they only cost around $85.00. For that money, you get a futuristic design and a red color pop that is highly visible.
• Bowie Knife | Bright Water 1 Covert 0 Classified 0 Restricted 0 Mil-Spec 0 Industrial Grade 0 Normal 0 StatTrak™ 0 Souvenir All Bowie Knife CS2 Skins This full-tang sawback Bowie knife is designed for heavy use in brutal survival situations. It has been painted using a blue camo hydrographic. Check the Lowest Price – This is arguably the biggest knife in the game. The Bright Water skin (blue camo) looks convincing on such a massive blade. Its usual price is $59.00-$70.00, but if you camp the market and place a buy order, you can “snipe” it for $50.00-$55.00.
• Survival Knife | Rust Coat 0 Covert 0 Classified 0 Restricted 0 Mil-Spec 0 Industrial Grade 0 Normal 0 StatTrak™ 0 Souvenir All Survival Knife CS2 Skins This multi-purpose tactical knife features a serrated edge for ripping through coarse material like bone or fiber, plus a sharp gutting hook. The composite material handle is bolted to the blade with hex nuts. It is still perfectly operational although the exterior surfaces have rusted. Some people don't need to hide how dirty their deeds are Check the Lowest Price – Another option for fans of brutality. The Survival Knife looks aggressive on its own, but with the rusty Rust Coat finish ($50.00-$60.00), it turns into a weapon straight out of a slasher movie. Cheap, gritty, and stylish.

Tips for Finding Cheap CS2 Knives

Finding a profitable deal is tough, and to really save money, you need to know a few things. Don’t just grab the first listing you see. Here are a few tips on how to guarantee you get an affordable CS2 (CS:GO) knife without overpaying:

• Compare Prices: Never rely solely on Steam. The difference between the official market and third-party sites can reach 30%. Always check multiple sources, such as this compare CS2 (CS:GO) skin prices tool.
• Check Condition (Float): Don’t be afraid of Field-Tested or Battle-Scarred skins. Often, the visual difference between FT and Minimal Wear is barely noticeable to the eye, but the price difference is massive. And for skins like Rust Coat or Black Laminate, high wear actually makes them look better.
• Trade Smart: Use “Buy Orders.” Instead of buying at the seller’s current asking price, set your own price (for example, $5 lower) and wait. Someone who needs quick cash will definitely sell you the knife for cheaper.

Conclusion

To be honest, the CS2 market is going through unique times right now. Thanks to the contracts update, the entry barrier for the knife owners’ club has dropped to a historic low. Nowadays, buying the best budget knives (CS:GO) CS2 isn’t something to be ashamed of – it’s smart. You can get cool animations, status, and enjoyment from the game for the price of a few pizzas.

And if you want even more cool news about the CS2 world and interesting articles, stick with us and keep reading our blog!