CS2 has 20 knife models, and their prices differ by a factor of several hundred. The cheapest CS2 knives cost around $35: the Navaja, Shadow Daggers, Kukri, Paracord and Survival Knife in basic camo finishes. The Butterfly Knife, Karambit and M9 Bayonet start at $260 to $410, while their rare Doppler gems such as Ruby or Black Pearl run from $7,000 to $15,000 and up. Below is every CS2 knife with current LIS-SKINS prices, its release year and a closer look at the most sought-after models.
The price of any knife comes down to a handful of factors: the model, the finish, wear (float), the pattern and whether it carries a StatTrak™ counter. If you want to know how the models differ in shape and animations, see our guide to CS2 knife varieties; for a ranking by popularity and value, check the CS2 knife tier list. This page focuses on prices: what each knife costs and where the line sits between the budget and collector segments.
CS2 Knife Prices: A Market Overview
The CS2 knife market in 2026 spans everything from a few dozen dollars to six-figure private deals for one-of-a-kind items. The most affordable options start at about $35: basic camo finishes like Safari Mesh, Rust Coat or Forest DDPAT on less popular models. The mid-range (roughly $100 to $1,000) covers the Flip Knife, Skeleton Knife, Stiletto, Talon and base versions of the top models. Premium picks ($1,000 to $5,000) are Fade, Marble Fade and the regular Doppler phases on the Karambit, Butterfly Knife and M9 Bayonet. The elite tier (from $5,000) belongs to the Doppler gems (Ruby, Sapphire, Black Pearl), Gamma Doppler Emerald and rare Case Hardened patterns.
Several key factors drive the price. The knife model matters most: a Karambit or Butterfly will always cost more than a Navaja or Shadow Daggers with the same finish. Factory New Fade is a good illustration: about $2,100 on the Butterfly Knife, about $1,800 on the Karambit and about $280 on the Flip Knife. The finish sets the next price level: camo patterns are cheap, while a Doppler Sapphire or Ruby runs into the thousands. Float measures wear from 0.00 (Factory New, flawless) to 1.00 (Battle-Scarred, heavily worn). The pattern is critical for Case Hardened and Doppler, where a lucky color layout can multiply the value.
Where you buy matters as well. The Steam Market keeps 15% of every sale (5% to Steam plus a 10% CS2 fee), and money in your Steam Wallet cannot be withdrawn. On LIS-SKINS you can buy a knife at the market price straight to your account and, if needed, sell it just as quickly and cash out real money. Vanilla knives (no finish) range from about $35 for the Navaja to about $1,150 for the Butterfly Knife, which shows how differently the models themselves are valued.
CS2 Knife Price Tiers
| Tier | Price Range | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $35 to $100 | Navaja, Shadow Daggers, Kukri, Survival Knife, Bowie (camo finishes) |
| Mid-Range | $100 to $1,000 | Flip Knife, Skeleton, Stiletto, Talon, base Karambit and Butterfly |
| Premium | $1,000 to $5,000 | Butterfly and Karambit in Fade, Marble Fade, Doppler phases |
| Elite | from $5,000 | Ruby, Sapphire, Black Pearl, Emerald, rare Case Hardened patterns |
The Cheapest CS2 Knives
The cheapest CS2 knife costs around $35, and several options sit at that price right now: Shadow Daggers | Bright Water in Field-Tested, Navaja Knife | Safari Mesh, the Kukri in Safari Mesh and the Survival Knife in Rust Coat. The Navaja remains the classic first knife. This compact folder won't win any beauty contests, since its proportions resemble an oversized pocket knife and the animations are understated, but as an entry point it does the job.
Other budget options are worth a look too. Shadow Daggers in Boreal Forest, Rust Coat or Black Laminate cost about $35 and bring something different to the table: dual blades in both hands with snappy animations. The Gut Knife in Safari Mesh or Scorched starts at around $40 and offers its recognizable hooked blade. The Paracord Knife in Scorched goes for about $40 as well, a survival-style knife with a paracord-wrapped handle.
Why are these models so affordable? Mostly because of demand. The Navaja gets criticized for its awkward proportions, Shadow Daggers split the community into fans and detractors, and the Gut Knife is widely seen as too plain. That modest popularity is exactly what keeps their prices at the bottom of the market. If you want a cheap knife that still looks distinctive, consider the Gut Knife | Damascus Steel (about $45) or a Factory New Gut Knife | Bright Water (about $55). More budget picks with a detailed breakdown are collected in our list of the cheapest knives.
Top 5 Cheapest CS2 Knives
| Model | Skin | Condition | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shadow Daggers | Bright Water | Field-Tested | ~$35 |
| Navaja Knife | Safari Mesh | Field-Tested | ~$35 |
| Shadow Daggers | Rust Coat | Battle-Scarred | ~$35 |
| Kukri Knife | Safari Mesh | Field-Tested | ~$35 |
| Survival Knife | Rust Coat | Battle-Scarred | ~$35 |
Shadow Daggers: Prices and Overview
Shadow Daggers arrived in 2015 with the Shadow Case. Prices for these dual blades start at about $35 for base skins (Safari Mesh, Boreal Forest, Rust Coat) in Field-Tested or Battle-Scarred condition. Even the more interesting options are inexpensive: Factory New Black Laminate with its dark finish costs about $60, Bright Water with its vivid blue camo is around $40 in top condition, and Blue Steel with its metallic sheen starts from $50. The vanilla version is about $60, and the priciest listings with Doppler gems (Ruby, Black Pearl) reach $500 to $700.
The standout feature of Shadow Daggers is the dual animation with a blade in each hand. It creates a distinctive style reminiscent of punch daggers, which appeals to players who prefer an aggressive look. The draw and inspect animations are fast and crisp, so Shadow Daggers are popular with players who inspect their weapons often.
Butterfly Knife: Prices and Overview
The Butterfly Knife is a Counter-Strike legend and currently the most expensive model by entry price. Even the cheapest options start at $410: camo finishes like Forest DDPAT, Safari Mesh and Scorched in Field-Tested to Battle-Scarred condition. Urban Masked in Minimal Wear costs about $540. Popular finishes Tiger Tooth and Slaughter start at around $1,100, Marble Fade is about $1,350, Fade is about $2,100, and the regular Doppler phases run from $2,000 to $4,100 (Phase 2 is the priciest).
The elite segment is collector territory. Sapphire costs about $6,400, Gamma Doppler Emerald about $7,400, Ruby about $10,700 and Black Pearl about $15,500, which makes the Butterfly Knife home to the most expensive regular-market knives. The reasons are clear: the iconic balisong flip animation (balisong is the proper term for this knife type) has been in the game since Operation Breakout in 2014 and is still considered the most impressive of any knife. Even a vanilla Butterfly Knife with no finish costs about $1,150, which shows how desirable the model itself is regardless of the skin.
The Butterfly Knife suits players who value both style and liquidity, since the model finds buyers easily on resale. Case Hardened on it starts at about $650 in Battle-Scarred, while copies with rare blue patterns change hands at individually negotiated prices that can be many times higher. The best finishes for this model are covered in detail in our guide to the best CS2 Butterfly Knife skins.
Kukri Knife: Prices and Overview
The Kukri Knife is the newest knife model: it was introduced in February 2024 with the Kilowatt Case and later added to the Gallery Case. Prices for this curved blade start at about $35 for base skins like Safari Mesh or Boreal Forest in Field-Tested or Battle-Scarred condition. Forest DDPAT and Urban Masked cost nearly the same, about $35 to $40, and the vanilla version is about $80.
The more desirable options are still affordable. Crimson Web ranges from $65 in Battle-Scarred to about $380 in Factory New and is currently the most expensive finish for this model. Slaughter costs about $105 to $125, Case Hardened starts from $75, and Fade, with its signature gradient of pink, purple and gold, is about $160. The Kukri has no Doppler gems yet, so its price ceiling sits well below the classic knives.
The design draws on the traditional Nepalese blade with its distinctive forward curve. Low prices make the Kukri a good pick for players who want the newest CS2 knife model without spending much. Ready-made pairings with gloves are collected in our list of Kukri Knife combos.
Skeleton Knife: Prices and Overview
The Skeleton Knife stands out with its minimalist design and the open cutout in the handle. Entry-level options, Safari Mesh and Boreal Forest, start at about $100 in Battle-Scarred or Field-Tested condition. The mid-range (roughly $125 to $160) includes Urban Masked and Night Stripe, simple but clean finishes for a limited budget.
Premium options show what this model can do. Tiger Tooth costs about $300, Slaughter about $370 to $390, and the Skeleton Knife | Fade is about $480 in Factory New. Crimson Web is especially prized: from $220 in worn conditions and about $1,300 in Factory New, where a clean web placement is rare. The top of the market for this model is Doppler, with Ruby and Black Pearl at about $2,400.
The large circular hole in the handle plays a key role in the animations: during spins and inspects the player threads a finger through it, which creates a memorable effect. Added in 2019 with Operation Shattered Web, the Skeleton remains the choice for players who like an unconventional look among the more traditional CS2 knife models.
Talon Knife: Prices and Overview
The Talon Knife is a curved reverse-grip blade that resembles a predator's claw and is often compared to the Karambit. The entry price starts at about $180 for Safari Mesh in Field-Tested, with Forest DDPAT at about $190. The mid-range (roughly $190 to $270) includes Night Stripe, Urban Masked and Boreal Forest.
Higher-end skins need a bigger budget. Ultraviolet runs about $230 to $350, Crimson Web $290 to $480 in common conditions and about $2,100 in Factory New. The regular Doppler phases cost about $900, the Talon Knife | Doppler Sapphire is about $1,800, and the most expensive option right now is Ruby at about $2,800.
Introduced in 2018 with the Horizon Case, the Talon quickly found its audience thanks to its aggressive look and smooth animations. The curved shape shows off intricate patterns well, and many players choose the Talon over the pricier Karambit for the price-to-look ratio: a base Karambit costs roughly twice as much.
The Most Expensive CS2 Knives
The top end of the CS2 knife market is the domain of collectors and investors. Prices here are measured in thousands and tens of thousands of dollars, and individual pieces are discussed in private deals worth more than a million. The most expensive knives combine the most popular models, rare finishes and pristine condition.
The best-known example is the Karambit Case Hardened with pattern #387 (Blue Gem), with an almost entirely blue blade. According to community reports, its owner turned down a $1.5 million offer, so knives like this do not trade on the open market and are valued individually. Among regular listings you can buy right now, the leader is the Butterfly Knife | Doppler Black Pearl (about $15,500), followed by the Butterfly Knife Doppler Ruby (about $10,700) and the Karambit | Doppler Black Pearl (about $8,300).
Doppler gems form the backbone of high-end collections. The M9 Bayonet | Doppler Ruby costs about $7,500, the Butterfly Knife | Gamma Doppler Emerald about $7,400, the Karambit Doppler Ruby and Karambit Gamma Doppler Emerald about $7,300 each, and the M9 Bayonet | Gamma Doppler Emerald about $6,400. The Karambit | Doppler Sapphire goes for about $4,800. A detailed ranking with a write-up for each piece is in our article on the most expensive knives in CS2.
Top 5 Most Expensive CS2 Knives on the Market
| Model | Skin | Approximate Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Butterfly Knife | Doppler Black Pearl (FN) | ~$15,500 |
| Butterfly Knife | Doppler Ruby (FN) | ~$10,700 |
| Karambit | Doppler Black Pearl (FN) | ~$8,300 |
| M9 Bayonet | Doppler Ruby (FN) | ~$7,500 |
| Butterfly Knife | Gamma Doppler Emerald (FN) | ~$7,400 |
Several elements drive these prices. Rare finishes: Doppler and Gamma Doppler gems drop far less often than regular phases, and blue Case Hardened patterns are one-offs. Iconic models: the Karambit, M9 Bayonet and Butterfly hold the entire top of the ranking thanks to their legendary animations. Factory New condition means a flawless look, and an extremely low float (0.00 to 0.01) adds a collector-grade premium. For individual pieces, history matters too, for example a well-known previous owner.
All CS2 Knife Types: The Complete List
Counter-Strike 2 has 20 knife models, each with its own history, animations and price range. Here is the full list with release years and prices for entry-level and top-end versions, so you can see the whole spectrum at a glance.
The classic 2013 knives laid the foundation for knife collecting. The Bayonet is a tactical blade with a straight edge and restrained animations. The Flip Knife is famous for the animation in which the player snaps the blade open in one motion. The Gut Knife has a hook-shaped blade originally designed for field dressing game. The Karambit is the curved ring-handle blade with the iconic spinning animation. The M9 Bayonet is a heavier take on the Bayonet with a serrated spine.
The 2014 to 2016 wave added variety. The Butterfly Knife, the legendary balisong with its mesmerizing flip animation, arrived with Operation Breakout in 2014. The Huntsman Knife, a hunting blade with angular lines, came out the same year in the Huntsman Weapon Case. The Falchion Knife, with a curved blade inspired by the medieval sword, appeared in the Falchion Case in 2015, and Shadow Daggers came with the Shadow Case that same year. The Bowie Knife, a hefty blade inspired by Jim Bowie's frontier knife, was added in Operation Wildfire in 2016.
The 2018 Horizon Case brought four models. The Stiletto Knife is an Italian-style switchblade with elegant animations. The Talon Knife is the reverse-grip curved claw and a popular Karambit alternative. The Ursus Knife is a straight blade with a minimalist design. The Navaja Knife is a compact Spanish-style folder and one of the cheapest knife types in CS2.
2019 brought five models. The Classic Knife, a simple blade that pays tribute to the series, came in the CS20 Case. Operation Shattered Web added four more: the Skeleton Knife with its openwork handle, the Paracord Knife with a paracord-wrapped grip, the Survival Knife with a line-cutting hook and the Nomad Knife with its rugged tactical look.
The Kukri Knife is the only model added in the CS2 era: it came out in the Kilowatt Case in 2024. Many older models have also received new finishes and appear in more recent cases, such as the Dreams & Nightmares Case, Operation Riptide Case and Fever Case.
All 20 Knife Types with Prices (LIS-SKINS, current export; cheapest models first)
| Model | Year | From | Vanilla | Top Listings (up to) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navaja Knife | 2018 | ~$35 | ~$35 | ~$400 (Doppler Black Pearl) |
| Shadow Daggers | 2015 | ~$35 | ~$60 | ~$700 (Doppler Black Pearl (MW)) |
| Kukri Knife | 2024 | ~$35 | ~$80 | ~$380 (Crimson Web (FN)) |
| Survival Knife | 2019 | ~$35 | ~$45 | ~$740 (Doppler Ruby (MW)) |
| Paracord Knife | 2019 | ~$35 | ~$45 | ~$1,200 (Crimson Web (FN)) |
| Gut Knife | 2013 | ~$40 | ~$55 | ~$460 (Doppler Ruby) |
| Bowie Knife | 2016 | ~$40 | ~$75 | ~$660 (Doppler Ruby) |
| Huntsman Knife | 2014 | ~$45 | ~$110 | ~$1,500 (Doppler Black Pearl) |
| Falchion Knife | 2015 | ~$45 | ~$100 | ~$910 (Doppler Ruby (MW)) |
| Ursus Knife | 2018 | ~$45 | ~$70 | ~$860 (Doppler Ruby (MW)) |
| Classic Knife | 2019 | ~$55 | ~$170 | ~$980 (Crimson Web (FN)) |
| Nomad Knife | 2019 | ~$60 | ~$120 | ~$1,100 (Doppler Ruby) |
| Flip Knife | 2013 | ~$100 | ~$180 | ~$1,900 (Doppler Ruby (MW)) |
| Skeleton Knife | 2019 | ~$100 | ~$220 | ~$2,400 (Doppler Black Pearl) |
| Bayonet | 2013 | ~$110 | ~$220 | ~$2,400 (Doppler Black Pearl) |
| Stiletto Knife | 2018 | ~$110 | ~$180 | ~$1,900 (Doppler Ruby) |
| Talon Knife | 2018 | ~$180 | ~$310 | ~$2,800 (Doppler Ruby) |
| M9 Bayonet | 2013 | ~$260 | ~$720 | ~$7,500 (Doppler Ruby) |
| Karambit | 2013 | ~$370 | ~$950 | ~$8,300 (Doppler Black Pearl) |
| Butterfly Knife | 2014 | ~$410 | ~$1,150 | ~$15,400 (Doppler Black Pearl) |
What to Look for When Buying a Knife
Buying a CS2 knife is a serious investment that calls for attention to detail. A mistake can cost hundreds of dollars or leave you disappointed with how the blade actually looks in-game. These are the key factors that determine the real value and visual quality of your purchase.
Float (wear). The 0.00 to 1.00 scale is split into five categories. Factory New (0.00-0.07): pristine condition and the highest prices. Minimal Wear (0.07-0.15): barely noticeable wear and the sweet spot for most buyers. Field-Tested (0.15-0.38): visible scuffs at an accessible price. Well-Worn (0.38-0.45): heavy wear for a very tight budget. Battle-Scarred (0.45-1.00): maximum damage, though some skins like Rust Coat actually suit it. Keep in mind that many finishes (Fade, Doppler, Marble Fade) exist only in the two top conditions.
Pattern index. On Case Hardened the layout of blue, gold and purple is unique to each copy, and rare blue patterns are worth many times more. On Fade the gradient percentage matters, on Marble Fade specific color combinations, and on Doppler the phase: Phases 1 to 4 differ in color ratio, while Ruby, Sapphire, Black Pearl and Gamma Doppler Emerald cost several times more than regular phases. Before buying these skins, check screenshots of the specific item rather than the generic preview.
Liquidity. The Karambit, Butterfly Knife and M9 Bayonet in popular finishes are the easiest to resell. Less popular models like the Navaja or Shadow Daggers can take longer to find a buyer, and a quick sale sometimes requires a price cut. If resale is part of your plan, stick to popular models in sought-after finishes.
StatTrak™. On knives the kill counter currently adds little to the price, sometimes nothing at all: a Factory New StatTrak™ Karambit Fade costs about $1,900 versus $1,850 without it, and the M9 Bayonet Fade is practically the same price either way. Get StatTrak™ if you genuinely want the stat, not as an investment.
Trade Protection. Items received in a trade are locked for 7 days after the deal. LIS-SKINS lists knives both with and without this lock: unlocked items cost slightly more but can be traded right away.
Buying a knife directly is almost always cheaper than trying to unbox one. The chance of getting a knife or gloves from a case is 0.26%, about once in 385 openings, and each opening costs the case price plus a $2.49 key. Another route arrived with the October 2025 update: a trade-up contract of 5 Covert skins yields a random knife or gloves from the collections of the input skins. The details are in our guide to crafting knives and gloves and in the article on how to get knives in CS2.
How to Choose Your Knife
The CS2 knife market in 2026 has something for every budget: from the Navaja and Shadow Daggers at about $35 to the Butterfly Knife Doppler Black Pearl at $15,000 and one-of-a-kind blue Karambits that are valued individually. For a first knife, consider Shadow Daggers, the Navaja, the Kukri or the Gut Knife: they cost under $100 even in clean finishes. A mid-range budget opens up the Flip Knife, Skeleton, Stiletto and Talon with popular skins like Fade or Tiger Tooth. Serious collectors go for the Butterfly Knife, Karambit and M9 Bayonet with Doppler gems and rare Case Hardened patterns.
FAQ
How many knives are in CS2?
Counter-Strike 2 has 20 knife models. The most recent addition is the Kukri Knife (Kilowatt Case, February 2024); the other 19 models carried over from CS:GO together with player inventories.
How much do CS2 knives cost?
The cheapest knives cost around $35, base Karambits and Butterfly Knives start at $370 to $410, and knives with Doppler gems run from $5,000 to $15,000. The price depends first on the model, then on the finish, wear and pattern.
What is the cheapest knife in CS2?
The Navaja, Shadow Daggers, Kukri, Paracord Knife and Survival Knife in basic camo finishes all cost around $35. Among vanilla knives, the Navaja is the cheapest at about $35 as well.
What is the most expensive knife in CS2?
Among items actually listed for sale, the Butterfly Knife Doppler Black Pearl is the priciest at about $15,500. The most valuable knife overall is considered to be the Karambit Case Hardened with pattern #387: according to community reports, its owner declined a $1.5 million offer.
