If you like opening crates in CS2 (or still call it CS:GO), you don’t have to pay a fortune for a knife. With the release of CS2, prices have changed, and some knives have become very affordable. We found the cheapest options and the cases they drop from. We’ll also explain where it’s safe to open them.
1) Navaja Knife | Boreal Forest
Price: around $75–$130 (depends on condition and market). Boreal Forest and Safari Mesh versions are often the cheapest. Navaja appeared in 2018 with Horizon Case, also in Danger Zone Case.
Drops from: Horizon Case; Danger Zone Case.
Why cheap: Small blade + high drop rate from two cases, so the price stays low.
2) Survival Knife | Boreal Forest
Price: $83–$145 (the cheapest modern knife in good condition). Survival was introduced during the Shattered Web operation. It can be obtained from Shattered Web Case and Fracture Case.
Drops from: Shattered Web Case; Fracture Case.
Why cheap: Drops often from two cases, and the simple look keeps the price low.
3) Paracord Knife | Scorched
Price: $86–$180 (depends on condition). An affordable knife from the Shattered Web era. Drops from Shattered Web and Fracture cases.
Drops from: Shattered Web Case; Fracture Case.
Why cheap: Many exist, and most players consider this pattern simple, so demand is low.
4) Kukri Knife | Boreal Forest
Price: $99–$190. Kukri was introduced in CS2 in 2024 (with Kilowatt Case), also found in Gallery Case. Boreal Forest is always the cheapest option.
Drops from: Kilowatt Case; Gallery Case.
Why cheap: A new knife, several inexpensive patterns, and many crate openings keep the price low.
5) Shadow Daggers | Safari Mesh / Rust Coat / Forest DDPAT
Price: $100–$145 (for simple patterns, rare ones cost more). Tied to the Shadow Case.
Drops from: Shadow Case.
Why cheap: Players either love or hate them because of the animation, so basic versions are undervalued.
How we found the cheapest skins
We analyzed knives and patterns that are consistently the cheapest and checked their drop sources. Often, Navaja Boreal Forest, Survival Boreal Forest, Paracord Scorched, Kukri Boreal Forest, and basic Shadow Daggers cost around $100. Prices vary due to wear, StatTrak, patterns, and market fees.
Which cases do they drop from?
- Horizon Case → Navaja (also Ursus, Stiletto, Talon). Danger Zone Case also includes Navaja.
- Shattered Web Case & Fracture Case → Survival and Paracord.
- Kilowatt Case (2024) & Gallery Case → Kukri.
- Shadow Case → Shadow Daggers.
What collectors of rare items should know
- Knives are extremely rare (0.26% drop chance). Open cases for fun, not profit.
- Prices change due to hype and crate availability. Check current prices before buying.
- Rare patterns (like "Blue Gem" Case Hardened) are much more expensive.
Quick buying tips
- Focus on the pattern, not just the knife model: Boreal Forest, Safari Mesh, Scorched.
- Know which cases they drop from (Horizon, Shadow, Shattered Web, Fracture, Kilowatt/Gallery).
- Condition matters: Battle-Scarred can be 15–40% cheaper than Minimal Wear.
So, if you’re looking for the cheapest knife in CS2, consider Navaja (Boreal Forest / Safari Mesh), Survival (Boreal Forest), Paracord (Scorched), Kukri (Boreal Forest), and Shadow Daggers (Safari Mesh / Rust Coat / Forest DDPAT). Open the right cases or buy on the market when prices are good. Remember: only spend money you can afford to lose.
