Knives in Counter-Strike 2 are the ultimate flex, staying iconic even after the shift from CS:GO. With knife prices dropping by up to 30% in 2025, per market trends, now’s the perfect time to ditch that default blade and grab your dream knife. This Bo3.gg guide breaks down the six main CS2 knife categories, from budget-friendly to ultra-luxury, with the best skin picks for each. We’ve updated prices and picks for May 2025, ensuring you get the hottest knives to match your vibe and wallet. Let’s dive in, starting with the cheapest and ending with the absolute elites!

Why knives rule in CS2

Knives are more than weapons – they’re a status symbol, with slick animations and designs that make every match pop. Prices softened after a 15% spike in January 2025, making it a buyer’s market, per Steam Market data. Whether you’re a casual fragger or a collector, these knives will level up your game. Prices below are for Factory New, sourced from Steam Market and Tradeit.gg as of May 2025.

$300–$400: Budget bangers

On a tight budget? These knives under $400 offer dope looks and slick animations, perfect for new players or anyone wanting style without spending much. Start your CS2 skin journey here!

Top 5 picks:

1. Shadow Daggers | Doppler ($300). Sleek blue-black waves, dual blades with a cool spin.
2. Gut Knife | Fade ($300). Vibrant purple-pink fade, curved blade shines bright.
3. Bowie Knife | Gamma Doppler ($400). Green-black swirls, massive blade with bold glow.
4. Flip Knife | Fade ($600). Colorful purple-pink fade, sharp flip animation pops.
5. Classic Knife | Fade ($600). Nostalgic CS 1.6 blade, vibrant fade glows bold.

Best Knife Spotlight: Shadow Daggers | Doppler

The Shadow Daggers | Doppler is the star of the budget group. At just $300, its blue-black Doppler waves give a premium vibe, and the dual-dagger spin animation feels unique. It’s perfect for players who want a stealthy, edgy look without spending much. The compact blades make it less flashy than bigger knives, but the animation steals the show in-game.

$600–$700: Mid-tier value

Ready to step up? Knives in the $600–$700 range balance style and affordability, with smooth animations and vibrant skins. These are great for players wanting quality without going wild.

Top 5 picks:

1. Stiletto Knife | Slaughter ($700). Red-black diamond pattern, slim spike spins fast.
2. Flip Knife | Gamma Doppler ($700). Green shimmer with black accents, flip animation pops.
3. Stiletto Knife | Doppler ($800). Blue-black waves, slim spike with quick backflip.
4. Skeleton Knife | Tiger Tooth ($800). Bright yellow tiger stripes, holey blade spins wild.
5. Talon Knife | Marble Fade ($900). Red-yellow-blue swirls, karambit-like spin dazzles.

Best Knife Spotlight: Flip Knife | Gamma Doppler

The Flip Knife | Gamma Doppler stands out at $700. Its green-black shimmer screams modern flair, and the quick flip animation feels snappy. The compact blade shows off the Doppler pattern clearly, making it a favorite for players who love dynamic knives. Reddit threads praise its “clean glow” for the price, and it’s a great step-up from budget knives. It’s versatile for trading or flexing in matchmaking.

$800–$1000: Stylish steals

These $800–$1000 knives bring personality with tactical designs and snappy animations. Perfect for players who want to stand out, they’re stylish without breaking the bank.

Top 5 picks:

1. Nomad Knife | Doppler ($1000). Blue waves on rugged blade, tactical pull-out shines.
2. Bayonet | Gamma Doppler ($1100). Green shimmer on big blade, military vibe glows.
3. Karambit | Damascus Steel ($1200). Intricate steel pattern, curved blade looks sharp.
4. M9 Bayonet | Tiger Tooth ($1200). Yellow tiger stripes, huge blade with bold shine.
5. Butterfly Knife | Freehand ($1300). Graffiti-style art, butterfly spins with street vibe.

Best Knife Spotlight: Butterfly Knife | Freehand

The Butterfly Knife | Freehand steals the show at $1300. Its graffiti-style art pops with urban flair, and the fast butterfly spins are a crowd-pleaser. The unique design stands out, it’s perfect for players who want a dynamic, modern knife that feels fresh in every match.

$1100–$1400: Premium power

Premium knives in the $1100–$1400 range are for serious players. With iconic designs and vibrant skins, these collectibles offer status and flair, perfect for competitive fraggers.

Top 5 picks:

1. Skeleton Knife | Doppler ($1400). Blue-black waves, holey blade with unique spin.
2. M9 Bayonet | Marble Fade ($1500). Fiery red-yellow-blue swirls, massive blade glows.
3. Karambit | Tiger Tooth ($1600). Yellow tiger stripes, curved blade with fierce vibe.
4. Butterfly Knife | Tiger Tooth ($2000). Yellow stripes, fast butterfly spins steal show.
5. Karambit | Vanilla ($2100). Clean, no-pattern blade, minimalist curved shine.

Best Knife Spotlight: Karambit | Vanilla

The Karambit | Vanilla shines at $2100. Its clean, pattern-free blade is a minimalist masterpiece, and the iconic karambit spin feels smooth. Loved by purists, it’s a Reddit favorite for its “timeless flex.” The curved blade makes every animation pop, perfect for players who want simplicity with prestige.

$1500–$2100: High-end icons

These $1500–$2100 knives are CS2 legends, loved by pros and collectors. With stunning designs and killer animations, they’re a big investment but deliver elite prestige.

Top 5 picks:

1. M9 Bayonet | Autotronic ($2100). Red-metal futuristic finish, huge blade looks sleek.
2. Butterfly Knife | Case Hardened ($2300). Blue-tempered steel, butterfly spins with rare glow.
3. Butterfly Knife | Marble Fade ($2500). Red-yellow-blue swirls, butterfly spins mesmerize.
4. Karambit | Doppler ($2600). Blue-black waves, curved blade with sleek shine.
5. Butterfly Knife | Slaughter ($2600). Red-black diamond pattern, butterfly spins pop off.

Best Knife Spotlight: M9 Bayonet | Autotronic

The M9 Bayonet | Autotronic is a beast at $2100. Its red-metal futuristic finish on a massive blade screams high-tech, and the smooth bayonet draw feels clean. Its “cyberpunk vibe,” and the large blade shows off the Autotronic pattern perfectly. It’s a top pick for aggressive players who want a modern flex in Premier matches.

$2300–$4600: Luxury legends

The $2300–$4600 range is for CS2’s elite. These jaw-dropping knives are the ultimate flex, with designs and animations that make every match a showcase. Go big or go home!

Top 5 picks:

1. M9 Bayonet | Gamma Doppler ($2800). Green shimmer on huge blade, military vibe glows.
2. Karambit | Fade ($3700). Purple-pink-yellow fade, curved blade is iconic.
3. Butterfly Knife | Doppler ($3900). Blue-black waves, butterfly spins with sleek shine.
4. Butterfly Knife | Lore ($4000). Gold-mythical design, butterfly spins with epic flair.
5. Karambit | Gamma Doppler ($4600). Green shimmer, curved blade flexes ultimate glow.

Best Knife Spotlight: Butterfly Knife | Gamma Doppler

The Butterfly Knife | Gamma Doppler is the luxury star at $4500. Its green-black shimmer dazzles, and the fast butterfly spins are a pro favorite. It is a “god-tier flex,” and its vibrant glow makes every kill cam pop. It’s the ultimate choice for players who want to dominate in style.

Conclusion

From the sleek Shadow Daggers | Doppler to the elite Karambit | Gamma Doppler, there’s a CS2 knife for every player in 2025. With prices down, it’s time to upgrade your loadout and flex in matchmaking. Got a favorite knife or skin? Drop it in the comments, and stay tuned for more CS2 guides from Bo3.gg!