Introduction
For many CS2 players, owning a knife is a ritual.
It doesn’t improve your aim or directly win you a round, but every spawn and every knife switch completely changes the gaming experience.
There’s only one problem: they’re too expensive.
The good news is, in CS2, you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars. There are plenty of truly cheap, reliable, and popular knife skins available, but they’re not often flaunted.
This article will give you a complete overview of:
The 10 Cheapest Knife Skins in CS2
Why are some knives so cheap?
Which cheap knives are “actually not bad looking”?
The most frequently asked questions about knife skins by beginners。
The 10 Cheapest Knife Skins in CS2 (by Price & Popularity)
1. Navaja Knife | Forest DDPAT
A universally acknowledged lowest-priced entry-level knife skin. Its appearance is very simple, but the price advantage is huge. High wear and tear barely affects the user experience, suitable for beginners who just want to experience the “feel” of a knife.
2. Navaja Knife | Boreal Forest
Slightly more aesthetically pleasing than the Forest DDPAT, with an overall dark green color scheme that is less conspicuous in actual gameplay. The price is still very low, making it an option for those on a very tight budget who also want some aesthetic appeal.
3. Gut Knife | Safari Mesh
The Gut Knife has a stronger visual presence than the Navaja. While the Safari Mesh is simple, its animation is still distinctive. Many players consider this the “most respectable knife” option in the low-price range.
4. Gut Knife | Forest DDPAT
With a very large market supply, the price has remained consistently low. While the appearance isn’t outstanding, it’s aesthetically pleasing and doesn’t show wear easily, making it a safe, affordable knife you can buy without much regret.
5. Shadow Daggers | Safari Mesh
The dual-blade animation is its biggest highlight. Although the design has been controversial, it offers excellent value for money. Many players find the inspection and cutting animations quite memorable after prolonged use.
6. Shadow Daggers | Boreal Forest
While maintaining a low price, the texture has more depth than Safari Mesh. Suitable for budget-conscious players who want the dual-blade animation but don’t want the skin to look too cheap.
7. Falchion Knife | Urban Masked
Falchion’s flipping animation is very smooth, a major plus for a low-priced knife. Urban Masked is clean and simple, making the knife look more premium than its actual price.
8. Gut Knife | Urban Masked
The color scheme is understated, with a clean and crisp overall look, and it’s not very sensitive to wear and tear. Even the highly worn version won’t look worn out in actual gameplay, making it a very reliable and affordable choice.
9. Navaja Knife | Urban Masked
If you’re already used to the Navaja knife design, this is one of the most aesthetically pleasing versions. The black and gray tones look natural on various maps without appearing particularly jarring.
10. Shadow Daggers | Urban Masked
An often underrated dual-wielding knife skin. It features complete animations, a simple appearance, and a friendly price. It’s perfect for players who want the dual-wielding experience but don’t want to spend too much money.
Why are some CS2 knife skins so cheap?
Cheap doesn’t mean bad. The main reasons are:
Low knife design popularity: Navaja and Gut aren’t as popular as Karambit.
Common paint jobs: DDPAT and Safari Mesh have large market volumes.
Aesthetic labeling: Once something is called “ugly,” demand drops.
Large supply of older cases: Oversupply drives down prices.
Understanding these factors will prevent you from overpaying.
Recommended cheap but “actually decent” knife skins:
If you care about appearance, these are choices you won’t regret:
Falchion Knife | Urban Masked
Shadow Daggers | Boreal Forest
Gut Knife | Urban Masked
Navaja Knife | Boreal Forest
They’re not stunning, but they’re not awkward either.
FAQ
What’s the cheapest knife in CS2?
Usually it’s Navaja Knife | Forest DDPAT or Boreal Forest.
Can you buy a knife for under $100?
Yes, many Navaja, Gut, and Shadow Daggers fall within this price range.
Will cheap knives drop in price quickly?
Generally not; lower-priced knives are actually more stable.
Unboxing or buying directly?
To save money, buying directly is always more cost-effective.
Conclusion
You don’t need a Karambit to enjoy CS2. The cheapest knife skins already provide a complete knife experience with low risk and low pressure.
If you have a limited budget, starting with Navaja, Gut, Shadow Daggers, or Falchion is the smartest choice.
It’s never too late to upgrade once you truly know what you like.
Knives don’t determine victory, but they certainly make every match more enjoyable.