Top 10 Budget Knives in CS2

Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) has made knives one of the most desirable objects, since they serve as a way to demonstrate individual tastes using unique designs and skins. There are many cheap alternatives to the expensive iconic knives which look just as good. For a player who does not wish to spend a fortune on one knife but wants to be recognized while gaming, budget knives offer the optimal balance between aesthetics and value.

This article considers the best 10 inexpensive knives in CS2. Therefore, whether you are new to the game and would like to have your very first knife, or an experienced player seeking a cheaper option, this guide will help you discover the right one before draining all your accounts.

Criteria for Selection

When selecting the top budget knives in CS2, several key factors were taken into account to ensure that each option offers both value and style. Here are the main criteria that guided the selection:

1. Price Range

The primary focus of this list is affordability. All the knives featured here fall within a budget-friendly price range, making them accessible to a wide variety of players. We’ve considered knives that generally cost less than higher-tier options, while still providing visual appeal.

2. Popularity and Demand

Even fans who can’t afford something expensive can find great quality knives among the huge selection. The community sometimes appreciates cheap knives because they attract attention from both gamers and collectors alike.

3. Aesthetics

The look of the knife is as important as its price.  We’ve chosen knives that stand out for their unique designs, color schemes, and overall visual impact, ensuring that budget-conscious players can still rock a stylish blade.

4. Market Availability

Availability on the market plays a crucial role in how easily players can obtain these knives. We’ve focused on options that are widely available on trading platforms.

5. Unique Features

Finally, we took into account the distinctiveness of each knife’s design or skin. Whether it’s an iconic shape, a distinctive blade finish, or a fan-favorite pattern, these budget knives still offer something special, despite their lower price points.

Top 10 Budget Knives in CS2

CS2 knives aren’t just about the look—they also come with unique animations that make them even more desirable. One of the rarest and most coveted features of a knife is its special deploy and inspect animations. These rare animations, or “procs,” occur randomly when equipping or inspecting a knife and add an extra flair to the skin. The proc rate for these rare animations is generally around 1 in 400 for deploy and 1 in 100 for inspect.

Shadow Daggers | Ultraviolet

A slick and minimalistic look with dark purple blades, the Ultraviolet Shadow Daggers offer a sharp appearance for a reasonable price. The Shadow Daggers feature a unique dual-wield animation that makes them distinct, but they also have a rare “spin” deploy animation. The rare inspect animation involves spinning both daggers, making for a flashy moment in-game.

Price Range: Around $80 - $100

Cases: Farmskins, Knives, Luxury Knife

Gut Knife | Forest DDPAT

Its camouflage pattern, combined with its unique hook-shaped blade, makes this one of the more interesting yet budget-friendly options. The potential for a rare spin animation adds to its appeal. The Gut Knife in CS2 has a distinctive rare animation where the player flips it in a full spin before grasping it in hand. 

Price Range: Around $60 - $80

Cases: Knives, Luxury Knife

Falchion Knife | Urban Masked

The Falchion Knife has a sleek and aggressive design, perfect for those looking for both aesthetics and dynamic animations. The Urban Masked skin adds a rugged look without breaking the bank. The Falchion Knife is known for its flashy butterfly-style animation when deploying. Its rare deploy animation shows the blade spinning out in an elegant arc, with a 1 in 400 chance of appearing.

Price Range: Around $90 - $110

Cases: Pinkman

Navaja Knife | Scorched

This is one of the most affordable knives in CS2, offering a compact and practical design. Despite its budget price, the rare deploy animation provides a chance for a stylish moment. The Navaja Knife deploys with a simple but sharp unfolding motion. It has a rare deploy animation where the player spins the knife before flipping it open.

Price Range: Around $50 - $70

Cases: Knives, Pinkman

Stiletto Knife | Rust Coat

Its worn, vintage Rust Coat skin gives it a battle-worn look, making it ideal for players who want a gritty aesthetic. The Stiletto Knife in CS2 has one of the coolest rare deploy animations, where it flicks open dramatically with a quick, flashy spin. The rare inspect animation involves a twist of the blade before the player inspects it closely.

Price Range: Around $90 - $120

Cases: Prisma, Prisma 2, Stiletto

Huntsman Knife | Safari Mesh

This large, intimidating knife features the iconic Safari Mesh camo, and it’s perfect for players who want an imposing presence on a budget. The Huntsman Knife has a brutal and heavy deploy animation, with the rare one featuring a quick flip and flourish. Its rare inspect animation includes a twisting movement, showing off the blade from multiple angles.

Price Range: Around $70 - $90

Cases: Huntsman

Shadow Daggers | Stained

These knives offer a marbled, worn look with the Stained finish, making them popular for players who want something unique.

Price Range: Around $100 - $130

Cases: Knives, Luxury Knife

Bowie Knife | Boreal Forest

One of the biggest knives, the CS2 Bowie Knife is eye-catching due to its sheer size. The Boreal Forest skin gives it a camo look. The inspect animation involves showing off the large, curved blade with a slow twirl.

Price Range: Around $90 - $120

Cases: Knives

Gut Knife | Night

Its sleek, dark finish and relatively low price make the Gut Knife (Night) an appealing choice for those who prefer a stealthy aesthetic.

Price Range: Around $70 - $90

Cases: Knives

Falchion Knife | Safari Mesh

Another affordable option with a military camo look, the Falchion Knife (Safari Mesh) balances style and budget.

Price Range: Around $60 - $80

Cases: Luxury Knife

Conclusion

Getting the perfect knife is tough in CS2. But you don’t have to break the bank for it. There are many cheap knives you can select from. These cheap options are usually stylish and have excellent performance while at the same time possessing some rare animations in them. Whether you are leaning towards the sophisticated finesse of the Stiletto Knife, a couple of Shadow Daggers that handle like they are lightweight or an elegant Huntsman Knife appearance; there is something for everyone. Each of the knives on this list offers not only a budget-friendly price but also the potential to experience rare deploy and inspect animations, making them stand out even more in-game.

With proc rates for these rare animations sitting at 1 in 400 for deploys and 1 in 100 for inspects, you never know when your knife might put on a show. These budget knives provide a fantastic opportunity for players to elevate their CS2 experience without breaking the bank. 

In the ever-changing market of CS2 skins, prices can fluctuate, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the listings.