CS2 Knife Tier List - All Knives Ranked
When it comes to Counter-Strike 2, few items command as much prestige as knives. Whether you're looking to flex in a competitive match or just appreciate a well-designed blade, the right knife makes all the difference. But not all knives are created equal. Some are sleek and stylish, while others feel clunky and outdated. In this guide, we rank every CS2 knife from entry-level to S-Tier based on popularity, animation, and overall appeal.
Knife Tier Overview
CS2 features a vast collection of knives, each with its own unique design and animations. The ranking system below is based on factors such as in-game popularity, market value, animations, and overall aesthetic appeal.
- Entry-Level: More budget-friendly options and a step away from the bland default knives, but probably won't impress a lot of people having one of these equipped.
- Mid-Range: Nice looking knives that will turn some eyes around at a decent budget
- High-End: Quite pricey, but essentially top-tier knives. Nevertheless, these aren't quite ready for the next tier just yet due to a handful of small details.
- S-Tier: The best of the best, featuring unmatched prestige, animations, and levels of detail. They always hold their value and are great investment picks.
Entry-Level Knives
Okay, now that we've got the tiers out of the way, let’s take a look at our entry-level knives. Any of these knives could be the one you kick things off with. They're not really showy or anything, but they’re definitely a step up from the basic knives.
The Navaja Knife has officially taken the crown as the least favorite knife in CS2, bumping the Gut Knife out of that spot when it was released. If you grab a Butterfly Knife, shorten and widen the blade, and throw in the wooden part from a Gut Knife handle, you end up with the Navaja. If you’re not paying close attention, it kinda seems like your agent is just painting away. It might not look like your typical knife, but it’s a solid choice if you want to mix things up from the usual or as a way to move on to something cooler.
The Gut Knife is one of the first knives that dropped in CSGO and has always been seen as a budget-friendly choice. Sometimes called a can opener, the design isn't for everyone. It totally makes up for that with a pretty big blade and a low price.
When folks chat about the Bowie Knife, the first thing that pops into their heads is how big it is. The big sword-like blade really has a lot of potential to flaunt the knife’s various finishes. Some folks aren’t fans of how much screen space the knife takes up, but others totally dig the Bowie for that reason. The animations are just alright, the price is on the lower end, and when you combine that with mixed feels about its looks, we thought it deserves the place on the lower tier.
Love them or hate them, the Shadow Daggers have a unique dual-wield design. However, their awkward animation and relatively low market value keep them in the entry-tier category.
The Falchion Knife, which came out during Operation Bloodhound in Falchion Case, has a cool inspect animation where the player tries to balance it on their palm. However, its big blade and kind of awkward feel make it not as appealing as some of the mid-tier choices.
Mid-Range Knives
Alright, let’s take a look at all the mid-range knives we’ve got on our list. The knives in this tier are definitely an upgrade from the entry-level ones, but they’re not quite as flashy as the higher tiers. You can definitely grab some great finishes for them without spending a ton!
Stiletto Knife made its way into CS2 with mixed reception. Initially dismissed as an oversized toothpick by some players, it has since gained popularity and solidified its place as a favored mid-tier option. Its iconic flick animation adds to its appeal, making it both elegant and deadly in appearance.
A rugged-looking knife with a big blade that can rival the M9 Bayonet. Overall the Huntsman Knife is a strong contender in the mid-tier category, featuring a satisfying draw animation, nice looking skin variations, and is well-liked by many players.
The Survival Knife is a modernized take on the classic Gut Knife, featuring a similar hooked blade but with added serrations on the bottom and a distinctive gap in the middle. Its blade design is sharper and more streamlined, making it feel more tactical. While its standard equip animation is nothing special, the rare animation, where the character reverse flips and catches the knife, adds a stylish flair. This knife is a solid mid-tier option, offering a fresh take on an older design at a reasonable price point.
Released for the 20th Anniversary of Counter-Strike in the CS20 case, the Classic Knife offers a new spin on the knife that both CT and T sides used in CS 1.6. The new finishes and a cool equip animation really set it apart from the last version, which is a nice touch.
The Paracord Knife is perfect for those who appreciate clean lines and a straightforward design. With a minimalist blade and a paracord-wrapped handle, it keeps things simple yet effective. It shares an equip animation with the Survival and Nomad knives, but what makes it stand out is the rare animation where the player tosses it from one hand to the other. While it may not have the flashiest look, it’s a solid mid-tier option for players who prefer a sleek and functional knife.
The Flip Knife has been hanging out in the mid-tier since the first generation of knives dropped in the Arms Deal update. It has a cool animation where your agent flips a button to pop out the sleek curved blade of the knife. Some of the cool finishes like the Fades and Dopplers really pop on the Flip Knife, making it a solid pick in the mid-tier lineup.
With its squared handle and blade, the Ursus Knife has a clean, tactical appearance. It shares its equip animation with the Survival Knife but features a unique rare animation. Among mid-tier knives, it has strong potential for growth, especially as newer finishes become available. Its well-proportioned blade and sleek design make it a solid choice for players looking for a balanced mix of style and practicality.
The Nomad Knife could almost pass as a default CT-sided knife if it hadn’t been included in case drops. Its regular equip animation is fairly standard, but its rare animation—where the character fumbles the knife—is either amusing or frustrating, depending on personal preference. It also features a rare inspect animation, making it stand out slightly from other mid-tier options, though overall, it remains a solid but straightforward choice.
The Kukri Knife swiftly became a fan favorite after its release in Kilowatt Case, solidifying its place as a strong mid-tier option. Given the already vast selection of knives in CS2, many doubted whether another addition would make an impact—but Valve proved them wrong. With its unique shape and well-balanced design, the Kukri has carved out a niche for players wanting something both fresh and reliable.
High-End Knives
And now we’re getting into a high-end territory where knives cost a lot, but they look and feel totally worth it.
Often seen as the sleeker, more compact counterpart to the M9 Bayonet, the Bayonet stands out for its clean design and excellent pull-out animation. While its blade is narrower and less intricate than the M9, its refined appearance and smooth handling make it a top-tier choice. The only downside is that lower-condition finishes don’t always hold up aesthetically, but overall, it remains one of the most sought-after high-end knives.
Often seen as the Karambit's lesser counterpart, the Talon Knife features a larger, serrated blade and an ivory handle on higher-tier finishes. While it shares a similar spinning animation when inspecting or reloading, it lacks the fluid elegance of the Karambit. Despite this, the Talon remains a high-end knife, and its appeal ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Inspired by throwing knives used in martial arts, the Skeleton Knife features a distinct cutout design with a large central hole and smaller ones running up the blade. Crafted from a single piece of metal with a wrapped fabric handle, it exudes a rugged yet refined aesthetic. Its rare equip animation adds a stylish flair, making it one of the more visually striking high-end knives.
The M9 Bayonet is the bigger, more robust version of the standard Bayonet, offering a bulkier build and a tactical feel. Made famous in 80s American pop culture, where every elite soldier seemed to carry one, it brings that same iconic presence to CS2. A popular choice among pro players, it commands a premium price, especially for high-end finishes. Its only real drawback is the somewhat lackluster equip animation and the absence of a rare one.
S-Tier Knives
This tier is pretty much like the Hall of Fame for CS skins. The most expensive, prestigious, and best-looking knives in the game. If you want to own these, you’ll need to have a fat wallet or great luck with case openings.
Tied with the Butterfly Knife as one of the top knives in CS2, the iconic Karambit boasts a sleek curved blade and a perfectly designed handle. Its standard and rare equip animations are among the best in the game, adding to its prestige. Even lower-tier finishes can still look impressive on this knife. If you have the budget, adding a Karambit to your collection is a guaranteed way to stand out and earn respect in matchmaking.
Equipping a Butterfly Knife in CS2 is one of the ultimate flexes. Even if your skills aren’t top-tier, wielding one of these will have you racking up style points. With its smooth flipping animation and undeniable cool factor, it’s the kind of knife that makes you feel like a pro - at least until you don’t look at the scoreboard. There’s not much more to say about this knife, it’s iconic and the one you always think of when you mention CS2 knives.
How to Obtain Skins via Clash.gg
If you’re looking to obtain CS2 skins, including knives, without relying solely on in-game case openings, Clash.gg is an option worth considering. Clash.gg offers a variety of game modes that provide opportunities to win skins in different ways. Here are the main options they offer:
- Case Opening: Open virtual cases individually, each with a range of potential skins.
- PvP Case Battles: Engage in player-versus-player case battles where multiple players open the same case, and the winner takes all the rewards.
- Skin Upgrader: Trade up lower-tier skins in hopes of upgrading them to higher-tier items.
- Plinko: A luck-based game where skins can be won based on the ball’s trajectory and landing spot.
- Jackpot: A high-risk, high-reward game where players pool their skins into a jackpot, and one lucky winner takes home everything.
- Tiles: A strategy-based game where players reveal hidden tiles, aiming for high-value skins while avoiding pitfalls.
By using Clash.gg, players have an alternative way to obtain CS2 skins, sometimes at a lower cost than traditional market purchases. However, as with any luck-based system, responsible play is advised.
Conclusion
From budget-friendly blades to top-tier flex pieces, CS2 knives come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re looking for an entry-level option or aiming for an S-Tier masterpiece, there’s a knife for every player. Ultimately, the best knife is the one that fits your style, but if you’re aiming for prestige, you can’t go wrong with the Karambit or Butterfly Knife. Happy hunting!
About the author
Mikail "Maikelele" Bill is a former professional CS:GO player known for his sharp AWP skills and fearless playstyle. He competed for top teams like NiP, G2, and FaZe, leaving a lasting mark on the game. Now, he shares his insights on CS:GO, esports culture, and the stories behind the skins.