CS2 Knife Types: Complete Guide

When watching teammates after death, you’ve likely seen their knives. You’ve likely encountered not only different skins, but also knives of varying shapes and with impressive draw animations. If you are ready to splash out on a first knife, this article from MelBet Pick’em is written just for you.

We’ll tell you what types of knives CS2 offers in 2026 and how they differ. We’ll also include the minimum price for each knife type, making it easy to find one that fits the budget.

What are the Knife Types in CS2?

CS2 knife types are different models of knives in the game that differ in blade shape, size, handle, and draw and inspect animations. This means they don’t provide any gameplay advantage; damage, attack speed, and mechanics remain the same. The only differences are in appearance, feel, rarity, and, of course, price.

For this reason, choosing a knife in CS2 should be based on budget and personal preference. Some models have really cool animations, and their vibrant designs are visible to other players in-game. This is a great way to stand out, because unlike certain rifles, pistols, or SMGs, a knife is in your hands during every round. Players also often switch to it to move faster than with most weapons.

CS2 Knife Types Comparison Table

All CS2 Knife Types Explained

As of 2026, Counter-Strike 2 features 20 main knife types, not counting the standard knife available to every player by default. We’ll break down all CS2 knife types so you can understand their differences. We’ll also provide the approximate minimum budgets needed to purchase each one below.

Bayonet

The Bayonet is one of the five original knives that appeared in CS: GO with the Arms Deal Update in 2013. Its shape is a classic bayonet. It has a long, straight blade and a pronounced guard, with no unnecessary decorative elements. Historically, bayonet designs were created for knives that could be attached to a rifle and used in close combat.

At the same time, the Bayonet is appreciated for its minimalism in CS2. Its draw animation is very simple, but incredibly recognizable among all types of knives CS2. If you’re looking for a high-status knife without excessive fuss, this is the one for you.

• Release year: 2013.
• Minimum price: from $140 (★ Bayonet | Boreal Forest).
• Best skins: Doppler, Tiger Tooth, Slaughter, Safari Mesh, Fade.

M9 Bayonet

The M9 Bayonet is a more massive and aggressive version of the classic Bayonet. It was originally developed in the mid-1980s to replace older models such as the M7. Its distinctive clip-point blade and sawback spine create the impression of a heavy, reliable, and expensive knife.

The M9 Bayonet’s animation is not as flashy as other types of knives in CS2. However, this knife is valued for its status and size rather than its tricks. It also looks especially strong with many finishes. The Doppler and Gamma Doppler variants are considered particularly expensive and can cost over $7,000.

• Release year: 2013.
• Minimum price: from $330 (★ M9 Bayonet | Boreal Forest).
• Best skins: Doppler, Gamma Doppler, Tiger Tooth, Slaughter, Crimson Web, Fade.

Bowie Knife

The Bowie is another incredibly large knife in CS2. It’s associated with 19th-century American history and the name of Jim Bowie, a participant in the Texas Revolution. It’s distinguished by its large fixed blade, wide profile, and pronounced tip. Its design was intended for hunting, survival, and close combat.

The Bowie Knife was first added to the game in 2016 with the Operation Wildfire Case. Its animation is generally unremarkable among other CS2 knife types. However, what may interest many players is that it’s one of the cheapest knives in CS2. The cheapest Bowie Knife skins cost only about 1.5 times more than the cheapest CS2 Covert skins used for Trade Ups.

• Release year: 2016.
• Minimum price: from $60 (★ Bowie Knife | Safari Mesh).
• Best skins: Doppler, Marble Fade, Tiger Tooth, Slaughter, Damascus Steel, Safari Mesh.

Butterfly Knife

Almost everyone knows the Butterfly Knife, or balisong. It’s a legendary folding knife with two handle halves that rotate around the blade. This allows it to be quickly opened and closed with one hand. Historically, it was used as an everyday tool for farming, fishing, and utility tasks. Some traditional handles were made from materials like horn or bone.

The main reason for its popularity in the game is its animation. The player opens it by quickly moving the handle and spinning it in their hand. This looks incredibly cool, which is why streamers, collectors, and esports players buy the butterfly knife more often than other CS2 knife types. This also seriously affected its cost, although since the end of October 2025, a special butterfly craft CS2 has been available. It can guarantee this knife under the right Trade Up conditions.

• Release year: 2014.
• Minimum price: from $500 (★ Butterfly Knife | Safari Mesh).
• Best skins: Fade, Doppler, Gamma Doppler, Marble Fade, Tiger Tooth, Slaughter.

Classic Knife

The Classic Knife is a direct reference to older versions of the game, particularly the CS 1.6 era. Some players confuse it with the Default/Standard knife, but these are completely different types of CS2 knives. Early versions of the game featured a standard knife with a straight blade and a minimalist handle. This Classic Knife was released for Counter-Strike’s 20th anniversary as a commemorative model for fans of the series.

Its animations are quite simple, but that’s precisely the point. It’s not designed to be surprising, but simply to convey a familiar, old-school feel. For lovers of nostalgia and historical significance, there’s no better knife, especially considering it’s quite inexpensive.

• Release year: 2019.
• Minimum price: from $80 (★ Classic Knife | Forest DDPAT).
• Best skins: Fade, Crimson Web, Slaughter, Case Hardened, Safari Mesh.

Falchion Knife

Considering the balance between price, appearance, and animations, the Falchion is one of the most underrated knives. It was added along with the separate Falchion Case in 2015. Its name derives from the historical falchion, a medieval single-edged weapon with a curved blade. Of course, in-game, it’s no longer a sword, but a compact folding knife, but the blade retains its noticeable curve, wide cutting edge, and slashing silhouette.

The Falchion’s main advantage is its inspect animations, where the character balances the knife vertically in the palm of their hand. It also has a very nice blade opening, which makes it very noticeable compared to other knife types CS2 in this price range.

• Release year: 2015.
• Minimum price: from $75 (★ Falchion Knife | Black Laminate).
• Best skins: Doppler, Fade, Tiger Tooth, Slaughter, Lore, Safari Mesh.

Flip Knife

The Flip Knife is built around the idea of a folding tactical knife. It has a curved blade with a pronounced point and a sharper silhouette than other budget knife types CS2. It was added back in 2013, along with the Bayonet, M9 Bayonet, Gut Knife, and Karambit.

It hasn’t achieved status, but it’s not considered budget either. It’s a decent, quiet mid-tier option. Its animations are simple, and the knife opens quickly and neatly, without any complicated tricks. However, its appearance is quite nice, and thanks to the large number of skins and the generous blade area, it’s becoming increasingly popular.

• Release year: 2013.
• Minimum price: from $120 (★ Flip Knife | Boreal Forest).
• Best skins: Doppler, Gamma Doppler, Fade, Tiger Tooth, Slaughter, Marble Fade, Safari Mesh.

Gut Knife

Is your budget really tight? Then the Gut Knife is just what you need. This is one of the oldest and at the same time most accessible knives in the game. Its main feature is its gut hook – a special hook on the spine, closer to the tip of the blade. This feature was once used for butchering game and cutting flesh without deep piercing.

The reason for this knife’s low popularity is its controversial nature. Yes, it’s large and easily visible in the hand, so the skin on it is quite noticeable. On the other hand, its shape isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. The gut hook makes the silhouette a bit rough, and the knife’s animations are very simple.

• Release year: 2013.
• Minimum price: from $55 (★ Gut Knife | Safari Mesh).
• Best skins: Safari Mesh, Boreal Forest, Scorched, Urban Masked, Stained, Night.

Huntsman Knife

For those who prefer large blades in a tactical/hunting style, the Huntsman Knife might be the perfect choice. It was first added back in 2014 with the Huntsman Weapon Case. The design is inspired by real-life survival/tactical knives, and more specifically, it’s most often associated with the MTech USA Xtreme MX-8054.

Judging by the animations, this type of CS2 knife offers nothing special. The player simply draws it quickly with a characteristic twisting motion. Afterward, the agent secures it with a straight grip. The large blade makes this action appear heavy and confident.

• Release year: 2014.
• Minimum price: from $55 (★ Huntsman Knife | Safari Mesh).
• Best skins: Doppler, Gamma Doppler, Tiger Tooth, Slaughter, Lore, Damascus Steel, Safari Mesh.

Karambit

Besides the balisong, another incredibly famous, expensive, and coveted knife is the Karambit knife. Its real-life prototype originates from Southeast Asia. The curved blade, reminiscent of a claw, and the ring on the handle allowed for a more secure grip, reducing the risk of losing the knife.

In the game, the Karambit stood out not only for its shape but also for its grip. It is held with a reverse grip, where the blade points downward, giving it a visually aggressive appearance. The animations also contribute to the model’s status. When drawn and inspected, the knife spins around the finger through the ring.

Another interesting fact is that skins for this type of knife are incredibly expensive. The Karambit Blue Gem (Case Hardened) is particularly prized, often considered the most expensive skin in the game. Its estimated value is $1,500,000. This is incredibly high. Even the most expensive skins across all knife types CS2 combined, wouldn’t come close to this amount.

• Release year: 2013.
• Minimum price: from $435 (★ Karambit | Safari Mesh).
• Best skins: Case Hardened, Doppler, Gamma Doppler, Fade, Tiger Tooth, Marble Fade, Slaughter.

Kukri Knife

The most recent addition to the game is the Kukri Knife. It was added in 2024 with the A Call to Arms update and the Kilowatt Case. Its shape is inspired by the traditional kukri/khukuri – a curved Nepalese blade associated with the Gurkhas. It was used as a versatile tool for chopping, survival, and even ceremonial purposes. The blade’s forward curve is particularly noticeable, shifting the weight closer to the tip, making its silhouette recognizable among all CS2 knife types.

As for the game, players haven’t yet grown to love it. It appeared at a time when the knife market was well-established, meaning the Kukri was only just gaining its reputation. Accordingly, its prospects are promising, and its future price will depend on how well it gains traction in the community. For now, this is one of the cheapest knives in the game. However, everything can change, just like after the CS2 Trade Up update in October 2025.

• Release year: 2024.
• Minimum price: from $55 (★ Kukri Knife | Safari Mesh).
• Best skins: Fade, Slaughter, Case Hardened, Crimson Web, Safari Mesh, Urban Masked.

Navaja Knife

Want something compact, unobtrusive, and affordable? Take a look at the Navaja Knife, whose design is inspired by the Spanish navaja, historically used as a pocket tool and self-defense weapon. Similar blades were common in Spain as early as the 17th and 18th centuries. The folding design allowed for easy carrying without the risk of cutting yourself or tearing your clothes.

In-game, the Navaja Knife doesn’t stand out in any way and is perceived by players as a budget option. It doesn’t look aggressive, doesn’t have a cult following, and doesn’t offer the unique animations of some other CS2 knife types. It’s simply a small knife with a neat appearance, which distinguishes it from cruder models like the Gut Knife or Bowie Knife.

• Release year: 2018.
• Minimum price: from $50 (★ Navaja Knife | Vanilla).
• Best skins: Tiger Tooth, Doppler, Marble Fade, Slaughter, Stained, Safari Mesh.

Nomad Knife

The Nomad Knife is a survival/tactical knife added to CS: GO in 2019 with Operation Shattered Web. Externally, its overall design is made without unnecessary decorativeness, and the blade is quite wide. It’s often compared to outdoor and tactical knives, where the grip and feel of the tool are more important than its aesthetics and premium silhouette.

However, Valve still decided to distinguish it from other types of CS2 knives. Its draw animation appears to suggest the agent grasping the blade, as if accidentally cutting his hand. Afterward, he shakes his hand, adding character. Therefore, the Nomad is a solid alternative for those who don’t want the most mainstream knife options. It also suits players who find controversial options like the Navaja or Shadow Daggers downright unappealing.

• Release year: 2019.
• Minimum price: from $90 (★ Nomad Knife | Safari Mesh).
• Best skins: Fade, Slaughter, Case Hardened, Crimson Web, Safari Mesh, Boreal Forest.

Paracord Knife

The name of the next type of knife comes from the material used to wrap its handle. Yes, we’re talking about the Paracord Knife: its handle is wrapped with paracord, a material often found on camping, military, and survival knives. The paracord improves the grip and makes the handle less slippery, and can also be unwound and used as a durable cord in emergency situations.

In appearance, the Paracord Knife is quite minimalist, but not boring. It features a large, straight blade with exposed metal construction and a rugged, utilitarian aesthetic. It doesn’t aim to look premium or aggressive; it’s simply a reliable survival knife. Its draw and inspect animations also make it feel lightweight, fast, and practical.

• Release year: 2019.
• Minimum price: from $55 (★ Paracord Knife | Scorched).
• Best skins: Fade, Slaughter, Case Hardened, Crimson Web, Safari Mesh, Boreal Forest, Urban Masked.

Shadow Daggers

Do you love all things unusual? We suggest you consider purchasing Shadow Daggers, the most unusual knife type in CS2. These are essentially two blades, and unlike all the others, the character holds one dagger in each hand. The design itself resembles push daggers—short blades with a handle positioned perpendicular to the blade.

However, unfortunately, Shadow Daggers have a controversial reputation in the game. On the one hand, they are the only dual-wielded knives in the game, making them unique among all knife types in CS2. On the other hand, their size and unique shape don’t give them the feel of an expensive knife like the M9 Bayonet or Karambit. The main advantage, however, is the price: the cheapest skin options start at $47.

• Release year: 2015.
• Minimum price: from $47 (★ Shadow Daggers | Rust Coat).
• Best skins: Doppler, Gamma Doppler, Marble Fade, Slaughter, Lore, Black Laminate, Safari Mesh.

Skeleton Knife

For players who choose a knife based on animations, the Skeleton Knife might be the perfect choice. It is especially appealing to those who aren’t ready to spend a fortune on a Butterfly. It was added in 2019 with Operation Shattered Web and immediately stood out for its open-frame design. It lacks a traditional full-length handle and has no decorative overlays. Essentially, it’s a solid metal blade with notches, a finger hole, and a wrapping around the grip area.

Its main feature is its animations: when drawn, the knife can spin dramatically in your hand. The inspection animations are also incredibly cool, especially the one where the agent spins the knife through the finger hole. These movements are noticeably more interesting than those of most mid-priced knives.

• Release year: 2019.
• Minimum price: from $140 (★ Skeleton Knife | Forest DDPAT).
• Best skins: Fade, Slaughter, Case Hardened, Crimson Web, Safari Mesh, Boreal Forest, Stained.

Stiletto Knife

Love the mafia aesthetic? Check out the Stiletto Knife, one of the most stylish folding knives built around the Italian switchblade. It’s a thin, stabbing blade with a quick opening. It stands out not for its size, but for its character. Its slim profile, compact handle, quick spring-loaded opening, and stunning draw animation make the blade spring out of the handle.

This knife doesn’t rely on long stunts; its strength lies in its speed. At the same time, its price typically falls between affordable mid-tier knives and expensive premium models. Budget options like the Navaja, Gut, or Shadow Daggers are significantly cheaper. However, this stylish knife still has a long way to go before reaching the price of a Karambit, M9 Bayonet, or Butterfly.

• Release year: 2018.
• Minimum price: from $145 (★ Stiletto Knife | Safari Mesh).
• Best skins: Doppler, Fade, Tiger Tooth, Slaughter, Case Hardened, Crimson Web, Damascus Steel.

Survival Knife

There are quite a few survival-style knives in CS2, but only one is called the Survival Knife. Its main features are a large blade, gut hook, serrated spine, and a massive handle with a practical grip. This makes it versatile for camping, survival, hunting, and much more. In real life, its design is based on the Weyland Survival Knife.

Its animations don’t make it a flashy knife; its movements match its appearance. However, what distinguishes it from many other CS2 knife types is its realism. Even its vibrant skins don’t make it look like a cosmetic accessory. The knife remains realistic even if it’s pink, blue, or yellow.

• Release year: 2019.
• Minimum price: from $54 (★ Survival Knife | Safari Mesh).
• Best skins: Fade, Slaughter, Crimson Web, Case Hardened, Safari Mesh, Boreal Forest, Scorched.

Talon Knife

Like the curved blade of the Karambit, but dislike its price? The Talon Knife is a great alternative, as it also builds on the Karambit-style concept with a curved blade, finger ring, and reverse grip. The main difference is the visual mass. The Talon is significantly larger, wider, and rougher, with a more massive blade and a serrated spine.

The Talon Knife’s animations are also very cool. During draw and inspect animations, the knife rotates through the finger ring, which also visually resembles the Karambit. Therefore, if you like the shape of the Karambit but aren’t willing to pay full price, the Talon is a great alternative. Particularly noticeable is that the basic and medium finishes cost almost half as much.

• Release year: 2018.
• Minimum price: from $240 (★ Talon Knife | Safari Mesh).
• Best skins: Doppler, Fade, Marble Fade, Tiger Tooth, Slaughter, Case Hardened, Crimson Web.

Ursus Knife

The last CS2 knife type in our article is also quite minimalist: the Ursus Knife. It’s a simple, straightforward knife without any complex geometry. There are no hooks, holes, or decorative details—just a straight blade with a pronounced tip and a handle. It doesn’t try to look exotic; its purpose is simplicity and functionality.

The most controversial part of this knife, however, is the handle. It’s too massive, and most players find it simple, crude, and visually cheap. The situation is saved by the animations: during the draw animation, the agent can toss and spin the knife in his hand. This makes it more interesting than many other knives in the lower price range.

• Release year: 2018.
• Minimum price: from $68 (★ Ursus Knife | Rust Coat).
• Best skins: Doppler, Fade, Slaughter, Tiger Tooth, Crimson Web, Safari Mesh, Boreal Forest.

Cheapest and Most Expensive Knife Types in CS2

Price is almost always one of the main factors in choosing a knife. Players first consider their budget, and only then choose a specific knife type and skin. While we’ve already indicated the approximate minimum price in the description of each CS2 knife type, it’s worth highlighting the cheapest and most expensive options separately.

The Most Expensive CS2 Knife Types

Currently, the most expensive by minimum price are generally considered to be:

1. Butterfly Knife – from $500
2. Karambit – from $435
3. M9 Bayonet – from $330
4. Talon Knife – from $240
5. Stiletto Knife – from $145

The Cheapest CS2 Knife Types

The cheapest options at the time of writing are:

1. Shadow Daggers – from $47
2. Navaja Knife – from $50
3. Survival Knife – from $54
4. Gut Knife – from $55
5. Huntsman Knife / Kukri Knife / Paracord Knife – from $55

Keep in mind that prices are subject to constant change. We provide them as a guideline; for example, a Karambit will never be cheaper than Shadow Daggers. Even the appearance of CS2 Karambit knife Trade Up recipes did not significantly affect its price.

Therefore, before purchasing, visit the marketplace and set price filters for the knives you want. This is how you can get the most up-to-date pricing information.

Final Thoughts: Which CS2 Knife Type Should You Choose?

The game offers a variety of different knife types, each with over 10 skin options. The choice is incredibly wide, and it should be based on your budget, visual preferences, and desire to stand out. The Karambit, Butterfly, and M9 Bayonet offer the most recognizability, while other options are just as good, but their silhouettes aren’t as distinctive. We recommend visiting the marketplace and filtering by price – that’s how you can find the CS2 knife type and skin you’ll love!

FAQ

How many CS2 knife types are there in 2026?

The game offers as many as 20 basic knife types, not counting the standard knife available to all players by default. Each knife type in CS2 offers a wide range of skins, and Valve occasionally adds new knife types, the latest of which is the Kukri Knife.

What is the cheapest knife type in CS2?

The cheapest knife types in CS2 are considered to be the Shadow Daggers, Navaja, Gut, Survival, and some budget versions of the Paracord/Kukri/Huntsman. Their low price is due to lower demand, questionable design, and simple animations. Many also dislike knives with small blades because their blades are less visible.

What is the most expensive CS2 knife type?

The most expensive knife types are considered to be the Butterfly, Karambit, and M9 Bayonet. Their silhouettes are recognizable even to beginners, and their animations are particularly impressive. However, keep in mind that the most expensive items are tied not only to the knife type, but also to the specific skin and pattern.

Can you get knives from CS2 cases?

Yes, opening cases was previously the main way to obtain knives directly from the game system. The drop rate was 0.26%, which explained their price. However, after the Trade Up update, five Covert skins can yield a knife or gloves from the corresponding collection. As a result, the price of all CS2 knife types has decreased slightly, but not enough to make them universally accessible.

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