Knives in Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) are some of the most coveted and valuable items in the game. For many players, owning a knife is a symbol of status, personality, and style. However, not all knives cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. In fact, there are several affordable options for players looking to add a blade to their inventory without emptying their wallet.
In this guide, we’ll break down the absolute cheapest knife in CS2, and what factors influence price, and where you can buy one at the lowest possible cost.
Why Are Knives Expensive in CS2?
Before diving into the cheapest options, it’s important to understand why knives are generally expensive in CS2:
- Extremely rare drops: Knives have the lowest drop rate of any item in CS2 cases, says the Steam Community.
- Cosmetic prestige: Players see knives as the ultimate flex item — visible during movement, inspections, and kills.
- High collector demand: Certain finishes, patterns, and knife types are considered rare or valuable due to aesthetics or case scarcity.
- Influencer & pro usage: Some knife skins gain popularity when used by streamers, traders, or pro players.
Even with this high-value economy, not all knives are out of reach. Let’s look at the cheapest knives available.
What Is the Cheapest Knife in CS2?
Navaja Knife | Safari Mesh
- Starting Price: $80–$90 USD (Battle-Scarred)
- Finish Style: Simple green camo
- Case: Horizon Case / Danger Zone Case
- Wear Range: 0.06–0.80
- Rarity: Covert
As of 2025, the cheapest knife in CS2 is the Navaja Knife | Safari Mesh in Battle-Scarred condition. This is the most accessible entry point into knife ownership and often the first blade many players purchase.
Why Is This Knife So Cheap?
There are a few reasons why the Navaja | Safari Mesh consistently ranks as the lowest-priced knife:
- Navaja is a smaller, less popular knife type compared to Karambit, Butterfly, or Bayonet.
- Safari Mesh is a common and low-contrast finish with minimal visual appeal.
- Battle-Scarred condition makes it the least visually desirable wear tier.
- Oversupply: Horizon and Danger Zone cases are still widely opened, keeping supply high.
Despite these drawbacks, the knife still functions exactly the same as any other knife in CS2, including full inspect animations and custom draw behavior.
Where to Buy the Cheapest Knife in CS2
Steam Community Market:
- Pros: Direct integration with Steam
- Cons:
- 15% marketplace fee
- Higher prices due to lack of competition
- No real-money cashout
- No float filtering or sticker visibility
- 15% marketplace fee
Best Option: LIS-SKINS
LIS-SKINS is a fast-growing skin trading platform where prices are significantly lower than Steam, and where players can safely buy and sell skins using a wide range of payment methods.
Why LIS-SKINS is ideal for budget knife buyers:
- Real-time pricing with updates every minute
- No inflated Steam fees
- Filter by float, wear, price, and finish
- Crypto and cash payout support
- Safe trades with anti-scam protection
- Instant delivery for most items
You can regularly find the Navaja Safari Mesh or similar knives listed for $10–$30 less than on Steam.
What to Consider Before Buying a Cheap Knife
Even if you’re buying the lowest-tier knife, there are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Float Value
While Battle-Scarred is cheaper, sometimes you can find a Well-Worn or Field-Tested version for just a few dollars more — and it will look noticeably better in-game.
2. Playstyle and Animation
Some knives (like Butterfly, Karambit, or Talon) have more dynamic animations. Cheaper knives like Navaja or Shadow Daggers have simpler (or less favored) draw and inspect animations. Watch animations before purchasing.
3. Finish Visibility
Certain finishes — like Safari Mesh, Boreal Forest, and Urban Masked — have muted visuals, which might not look distinct in gameplay or screenshots.
4. Market Liquidity
Cheaper knives are easier to sell, but may not appreciate in value. Consider your knife more as a cosmetic than an investment at this tier, and be careful about where you sell, says the Reddit community.
Final Thoughts
Getting a knife in CS2 doesn’t have to cost hundreds of dollars. The Navaja Knife | Safari Mesh proves that you can enjoy the core cosmetic experience for under $80. While it may not have the visual impact of a Doppler Karambit or a Fade Butterfly, it offers a fully functional, tradable, and stylish upgrade from the default knife.
And when you’re ready to buy, don’t waste money on Steam fees — go where smart traders go.
