Best Cheap CS2 Knives Around $50 (2026 Budget Knife Guide)

Finding cheap CS2 knives that still look good is harder than it sounds, especially with prices rising in 2026. In this guide, we’ve listed the best budget CS2 knife skins around $50, focusing on wear conditions that offer the best visual value. Every knife below is playable, affordable, and worth buying right now.

If you want one of the most iconic knife finishes in CS2, check out our Top 10 Best Karambit Skins in CS2 for the cleanest picks and current favorites.

Top Budget CS2 Knives Around $50 (2026 Picks)

First, we looked at current market price stability, prioritizing knives that consistently hover around the $50 range instead of short-term spikes or volatile prices. Next, we evaluated visual value in Field-Tested, Battle-Scarred, and Minimal Wear conditions, choosing finishes that naturally hide scratches and still look clean without paying for Factory New.

Shadow Daggers | Damascus Steel (MW)

• Release Date: March 15th, 2017
• Price: ~$56.96
• Quality: Covert Knife
• Cases: Spectrum Case, Spectrum 2 Case

We’d say that’s one of the cleanest budget-friendly knives. The scratches are mostly not visible, so we suggest the MW condition for purchase. In addition, the daggers pair well with almost any gloves.

Gut Knife | Black Laminate (BS)

• Release Date: June 15th, 2016
• Price Range: ~$56.97
• Quality: Covert Knife
• Cases: Gamma Case, Gamma 2 Case

As with the weapon above, the scratches and wear blend into the dark coating, leaving it clean. We recommend buying this knife in Battle-Scarred condition. You may also consider buying Gut Knife Rust Coat or Vanilla variants.

Navaja Knife | Vanilla

• Release Date: August 1st, 2018
• Price Range: ~$53.81
• Quality: Covert Knife
• Cases: Danger Zone Case, Horizon Case

A pretty minimalist knife, looking almost like a realworld pocket one. Nothing special, but it’s affordable, so it’s a solid choice for a knife that costs around $50.

Gut Knife | Rust Coat (BS)

• Release Date: January 8th, 2015
• Price Range: ~$52.28
• Quality: Covert Knife
• Cases: Chroma Case, Chroma 2 Case, Chroma 3 Case

Another budget friendly option in the list, and the most interesting fact is that Battle-Scarred condition looks better than Field-Tested or Minimal Wear, just for this finish.

If you’re building a more aggressive-looking inventory, red-themed skins are a popular choice. The guide Best Red CS2 Inventory: Top Skins highlights red knives, gloves, and weapon skins that pair well together.

Shadow Daggers | Ultraviolet (FT)

• Release Date: March 15th, 2017
• Price Range: $54.08
• Quality: Covert Knife
• Cases: Spectrum Case, Spectrum 2 Case

These daggers are flat-coated, not metallic or reflective, which means no shine, no pattern, no texture—just solid color. We suggest buying it in Field-Tested condition, as there are small scuff marks along the sides, but overall it looks almost clean.

Kukri Knife | Boreal Forest (FT)

• Release Date: February 6th, 2024
• Price Range: ~$51.29
• Quality: Covert Knife
• Cases: Kilowatt Case, Gallery Case

The Kukri is inspired by real military machetes. In the Field-Tested condition, camo remains clearly visible, just some areas look slightly washed out.

Paracord Knife | Rust Coat (BS)

• Release Date: March 31st, 2025
• Price Range: ~$50.90
• Quality: Covert Knife
• Cases: Fever Case

Unlike painted finishes, Rust Coat doesn’t have scratch lines. In Battle-Scarred, the rust effect is at its strongest, which is exactly what makes this version appealing. This knife is suitable for Industrial or brown-themed inventories.

Shadow Daggers | Bright Water (MW)

• Release Date: September 21st, 2021
• Price Range: ~$50.80
• Quality: Covert Knife
• Cases: Operation Riptide Case, Dreams & Nightmares Case

One more daggers in the list, but this time in Bright Water variant, that mixes deep blue, light blue, and gray tones. A pretty solid choice for that price, especially in Minimal-Wear condition.

Some of the knives on this list work especially well in color-themed loadouts. For blue setups, check out Best Blue Knife and Glove Combos in CS2 to see matching knife and glove combinations.

Survival Knife | Rust Coat (BS)

• Release Date: March 31st, 2025
• Price Range: ~$50.69
• Quality: Covert Knife
• Cases: Fever Case

Another rust skin example of CS2 knife, and one more time it looks best in Battle-Scarred. We recommend buying it for brown, gray, or industrial-themed inventories.

Shadow Daggers | Black Laminate (MW)

• Release Date: September 21st, 2021
• Price Range: ~$47.50
• Quality: Covert Knife
• Cases: Operation Riptide Case, Dreams & Nightmares Case

In MW, the laminate pattern stays sharp and scratch-free, so the knives look crisp. Visually, they feel sleek, stealthy, and premium, making them an easy fit for black or minimalist loadouts.

Final Thoughts: Best Cheap CS2 Knives Around $50 in 2026

Finding cheap CS2 knives that still look good is completely possible in 2026 if you focus on the right finishes and wear conditions. Many budget knife skins around $50 actually benefit from Field-Tested or Battle-Scarred wear, especially Rust Coat, Black Laminate, and camo finishes that naturally hide scratches.

If your goal is maximum value, prioritize visual consistency over condition rarity. Knives like Shadow Daggers, Gut Knife variants, and newer options such as the Paracord or Survival Knife deliver solid aesthetics without forcing you to overpay for Factory New looks. Prices change often, but every knife on this list remains a strong budget pick for players who want a knife without breaking the bank.

If you’re new to trading or purchasing knives from other players, following proper safety steps is essential. The article How to Trade Skins Safely in CS2: A Step-by-Step Guide walks through the safest way to complete trades without risking your inventory.

FAQ: Cheap CS2 Knives, Wear Conditions, and Budget Picks

Are cheap CS2 knives worth buying in 2026?

Yes. Many cheap CS2 knives offer excellent visual value, especially when paired with the right wear condition. Budget knives are popular among players who want style without tying up too much inventory value.

What knife wear looks best on a budget?

Battle-Scarred and Field-Tested sometimes look best for the price. Finishes like Rust Coat, Black Laminate, Ultraviolet, and Boreal Forest hide wear naturally, making cheaper conditions visually appealing.

Do Battle-Scarred CS2 knives look bad?

Not always. Some finishes, especially Rust Coat, actually look better in Battle-Scarred because the heavy wear feels intentional and consistent rather than damaged.

Which is the cheapest CS2 knife skin right now?

Prices fluctuate daily, but Shadow Daggers, Navaja Knife Vanilla, and Gut Knife variants are usually among the cheapest knife skins available in CS2.