Complete Guide to All CS2 Knife Types You Should Consider Buying

Knives have always held a special place in games. They can kill quickly with a backstab and give you some of the most satisfying moments during a match. However, in CS2, knives are more than just a weapon. What makes one better than another? With so many designs and price ranges, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.

In this guide, we cover all CS2 knives. You will learn about their design, history, animations, patterns, and prices. Keep reading to find the one that fits your style best knife types cs2/cs:go.

Why Knives Matter in CS2?

If you’ve been playing Counter-Strike for a while, you probably know that all CS2 knives have always had a special place in the game. Back in the early days of CS 1.6, knives were simple tools used when you ran out of ammo or wanted to move faster. But where did it all start? 

Knives were first introduced as skins back in August 2013 with the launch of the Arms Deal Update. That update changed everything. It was the first time players could get cosmetic items in-game, and knives instantly became the rarest and most wanted drops. Valve added them to bring more fun and customization into the game, and it worked. Today, all CS2 knives are a core part of the CS2 experience.

Knives matter because you use them every round. You pull them out to move faster, so you see them all the time while playing. That makes their design, animation, and feel more important than any other item in your loadout. 

So, how do you get one? Actually, your chance to unbox a knife is very low, like 0.26%, from any case. That’s what makes them feel so special. You can buy one directly or trade with other players through trusted marketplaces.

Let’s say you are using a Butterfly Knife Fade. It has one of the smoothest animations in the game, and the bright colors catch the eye. When you use that knife, other players notice. Some will compliment it, others might want to trade for it, and a few might just wish they had one. That is the kind of effect the right knife can have.

As you can see, all the knives in CS2 are more than just weapons. They are collectibles, investments, and personal gear all in one. From their design to their rarity, they carry meaning and value. Now, let’s take a look at all CS2 knives you can find on the list.

List of All CS2 Knife Types

You already know why knives are such a big part of CS2. So what kind of knife should you get? There are 20 CS2/CS:GO types of knives in the game, and each one has something different to offer.

Here are all the CS2/CS:GO knife types we can explore: 

Bayonet

The Bayonet is modeled after the real-life M9 bayonet used by military forces worldwide. In CS2, it keeps its long, intimidating blade with a sleek edge and a tactical handle, perfect for that classic military feel. It was one of the original knives introduced in the Arms Deal update, making it a nostalgic piece for early CS:GO players.

• Added: August 2013 
• Price: $172 – $4,688
• Patterns: 25

Bowie Knife

The Bowie Knife is based on the legendary blade created by Rezin Bowie in the early 1800s for his brother James Bowie. James became famous after the Sandbar Fight, where his brutal use of a large knife turned the weapon into an icon. In CS2, the knife reflects that same raw power with its heavy build and striking shape. 

It may not have the fastest animation, but it makes up for it with size and presence. For example, skins like Crimson Web or Tiger Tooth look massive and clean on their wide surface.

• Added: February 2016
• Price: $91 – $1,837
• Patterns: 25

Butterfly Knife

The Butterfly Knife is one of the most desired knives in the game due to its unique motion and slim profile. This knife is based on the Filipino balisong, a folding blade traditionally used for utility and combat. Known for its quick flipping action, the balisong became popular for knife tricks and close-quarters efficiency. In CS2, that same flair is captured through its smooth and stylish animations.

• Added: July 2014
• Price: $586 – $14,999
• Patterns: 25

Falchion Knife

Among CS2 knives, the Falchion Knife is one of the most budget-friendly options. It’s based on a European sword from the 13th century, known for its curved blade, chopping power, and simple design. In the game, it’s made into a folding knife with a cool, over-the-top opening animation that gives it a unique look.

• Added: May 2015
• Price: $90 – $1,236
• Patterns: 25

Classic Knife

The Classic Knife is a throwback to the original Counter-Strike days. It features the same slim blade and fast stabbing animation that players from the early 2000s will instantly recognize. It’s light, simple, and clean a true nod to the past. In CS2, it’s a favorite for nostalgia. While not flashy, it has charm and history and looks sharp with skins like Fade or Crimson Web.

• Added: October 2019
• Price: $105 – $2,739
• Patterns: 13

Flip Knife

The Flip Knife is another folding knife in CS2, known for its long, curved blade and sharp tip. Its size is larger than you’d expect from a folding knife, making it look more distinct in-game, even if it wouldn’t be practical in real life.

It’s based on the Benchmade Bedlam and was seen in early CS:GO versions. The opening animation is quick and smooth, and the wide blade works well with popular skins like Doppler, Fade, or Slaughter.

• Added: August 2013
• Price: $125 – $4,000
• Patterns: 25

Karambit

The Karambit knife is one of the most popular & expensive in CS2, based on the curved blade used in Southeast Asia for farming and martial arts. It features a finger ring and a smooth spinning animation that quickly made it a favorite in the game.

Its small size and reverse grip give it a distinct look, and skins like Doppler or Tiger Tooth look especially clean on the curved blade. While it comes with a high price, it’s a top-tier knife in appearance and market value.

• Added: August 2013
• Price: $463 – $9,472
• Patterns: 25

Gut Knife

The Gut Knife is a budget knife designed straight from hunting gear. The gut hook is used to cut through tough material easily, and in CS2, it gives the knife a distinctive shape that looks different from most others.

Based on the Buck Alpha Hunter, it has a wide blade that pairs well with bright skins like Fade or Slaughter. It’s an affordable choice with a clean animation and enough variety to keep it interesting.

• Added: August 2014
• Price: $80 – $949
• Patterns: 25

Huntsman Knife

Another knife you need to pay attention to is the Huntsman Knife. It has a thick, angled blade with a saw-like spine, designed after the real-life MTECH USA XTREME MX-8054 tactical knife. Originally made for survival and field use, its design brings the game a heavy, sharp look.

In CS2, the large blade works especially well with detailed skins like Lore or Damascus Steel. It’s a great mid-range pick if you want something that looks tough and carries a bit of real-world influence.

• Added: May 2014
• Price: $90 – $2,850
• Patterns: 25

Nomad Knife

Looking for something that feels different without being too flashy? The Nomad Knife might be what you’re after. It has a thick, curved blade with a clean and practical shape inspired by the real-life Strider B46 tactical knife.

Its pull-out animation is one of the most unique in CS2, where the character grips the blade and winces as if getting cut. The design is simple but well-balanced, and skins like Fade or Forest DDPAT give it a strong presence without overdoing it.

• Added: November 2019
• Price: $120 – $1,500
• Patterns: 13

M9 Bayonet

The M9 Bayonet is a high-tier knife in CS2, known for its large blade, full guard, and sawback spine. It was designed after the Smith & Wesson SW3B, a combat bayonet made for mounting on rifles but just as effective in close combat.

Compared to the regular Bayonet, this one feels bulkier and more aggressive. It’s also one of the most expensive CS2 knives in the game, especially with rare skins like Sapphire or Crimson Web. If you’re looking for something big, classic, and valuable, the M9 checks all the boxes.

• Added: August 2013
• Price: $399 – $16,632
• Patterns: 25

Paracord Knife

If you are looking for something low-key but still sharp, the Paracord Knife fits that perfectly. It’s modeled after a survival blade with a paracord handle that’s useful in real life and unique in-game. Based on the Linton Seal Tactical L-90008B, it features a fixed blade and a paracord-wrapped handle made for survival use. 

The knife has rare animations that feel smooth and satisfying, and it works well with clean skins like Fade or Boreal Forest. It’s not loud, but it has its quiet appeal.

• Added: November 2019
• Price: $150 – $500
• Patterns: 13

Navaja Knife

The Navaja Knife is a small folding blade with roots in 17th-century Spain. It’s based on traditional knives once carried for defense and everyday use, later gaining popularity among cowboys and frontiersmen in the US. Also called the “Butter Knife” by the community, the Navaja Knife has a smooth, curved blade and compact frame. It may not be flashy, but it’s one of the most affordable ways to get into knife skins. 

• Added: August 2018
• Price: $70 – $487
• Patterns: 19

Skeleton Knife

The Skeleton Knife has one of the most unique designs in CS2. It features a full tang blade with a finger ring cut into the handle, wrapped in tape for grip. This setup gives it a clean, lightweight look and better control during use.

It’s based on the Renegade Tactical Steel G4 Stryker and first appeared in the Shattered Web case. With slick animations like quick flips and spins, it’s a favorite for players who want something stylish, rare, and different from the usual lineup.

• Added: November 2019
• Price: $212 – $630
• Patterns: 13

Shadow Daggers

Ever wanted to punch with knives? That’s exactly what the Shadow Daggers are made for. Their design lets you strike with short, stabbing motions, and the animation is fast and aggressive. They’re one of the most affordable knives in CS2, making them a great entry point for new players. Skins like Marble Fade or Slaughter look sharp despite their size, and the dual-blade setup adds a fun twist to knife rounds.

• Added: September 2015
• Price: $95 – $200
• Patterns: 25

Talon Knife

Is the Karambit out of your price range? The Talon Knife might be the next best knife types cs2/cs:go. It has a similar curved blade but adds extra detail with three holes and saw-like teeth along the spine, giving it a sharper and more aggressive look.

It’s based on the KIASLORE Tiger Claw and has unique inspect animations that make it feel special in-game. With a lower price tag and clean skin options like Fade or Marble Fade, the Talon Knife is a strong alternative for players who want style without paying Karambit prices.

• Added: August 2018
• Price: $260 – $2,000
• Patterns: 19

Kukri Knife

The Kukri Knife is one of the newest additions to CS2, and it quickly gained attention for its bold design and historical roots. Based on the traditional blade carried by Gurkha warriors of Nepal, the real-world version is known for its strength, reliability, and connection to close-combat warfare.

In-game, it has a heavy, curved look that makes it different from other knives. Its broad blade works well with detailed skins like Fade or Slaughter, giving it both presence and style. It’s a strong pick for players who want something fresh with a story behind it.

• Added: January 2024
• Price: $126 – $600
• Patterns: 13

Stiletto Knife

The Stiletto Knife brings a classic switchblade design into CS2, with a slim profile and fast spring-loaded animation. It’s inspired by the AB Italian Stiletto, a knife known for its quick release and ties to street culture and organized crime.

In the game, it fits naturally with the T-side vibe, thanks to its aggressive feel. While it works for any side, its style leans more rebellious. Skins like Doppler or Crimson Web give it a cleaner look if you want to tone that edge down.

• Added: August 2018
• Price: $192 – $560
• Patterns: 19

Survival Knife

The Survival Knife is built for tough conditions and is modeled after the Weyland Survival Knife, which is a real blade made for outdoor use and tactical situations.

Its solid handle is fixed with visible hex bolts, giving it a rugged look that feels ready for anything. In the game for its raw, functional style and works well with skins like Forest DDPAT or Fade. A strong pick if you want something that feels heavy-duty and reliable.

• Added: November 2019
• Price: $150 – $500
• Patterns: 13

Ursus Knife

The Ursus Knife is the last one on the list, but far from the least. Inspired by the Gerber Prodigy Tanto Fix, it features a faceted tanto-style blade with a sharp point, full tang, and an impact pommel, giving it a clean, no-nonsense look.

It has a strong inspecting animation and a solid feel in hand in CS2. There are no fancy parts or wild shapes, just a straight-up survival blade that does the job. Skins like Tiger Tooth or Damascus Steel match its style well, making it a favorite for players who like simplicity with purpose.

• Added: August 2018
• Price: $100 – $1,600
• Patterns: 13

How to Choose the Right CS2 Knife Type for You?

After checking out all the knives in CS2/CS:GO, you’re probably thinking, “Okay… but which one should I actually buy?”. Let’s talk about how to choose the one that feels just right for your game:

Budget

Ask yourself how much you’re willing to spend. If you’re just starting or want something simple, go for knives like the Gut Knife or Navaja Knife. They are usually more affordable. You might want something flashier like the Butterfly Knife or Karambit if you have a bigger budget.

Design

Look at the shape, size, and overall vibe of the knife. Do you want sharp like the Stiletto or Talon Knife? Or do you like the rugged feel of the Huntsman or Survival Knife? Go with the one that matches your style.

Long-term value

Some knives tend to hold their value better or increase in price over time. If you’re thinking of your knife as an investment, do a little research on market trends. Popular picks like the M9 Bayonet, Butterfly Knife, and Karambit are usually in high demand and can keep their value well.

Wrapping Up!

So, as you can see, every CS2/CS:GO knife types have different qualifications in the game. Whatever you choose, each one brings style, story, and feel to your loadout.

Ready to find the one that fits you best knife types CS2/CS:GO? Head over to ShadowPay and explore CS2 all knives. Compare prices, check skins, and pick your next favorite blade today.