Knives played a prominent role in CS and now, CS2. From sleek to curved blades, every knife carries its own touch of danger. Whether they’re visually appealing, reflect one’s personality, or portray certain play styles, players can often find a knife that suits them.

Before moving on, note that the price of knives relatively increased since the transition to CS2. 

With that in mind, let’s delve into the list.

12. Flip Knife | Autotronic ($300-$1,100)

See the Flip Knife Auotronic In Action

The Flip Knife Autotronic debuted in 2016 as part of the Gamma Exposure update. 

Flip Knives often showcase a Persian-style blade and curved tip, reminiscent of the Shamshir sword (Persian/Iranian descent). Similar to the Shamshir, it wields a slender yet robust blade; adept for slashing downward. Subsequently, many seek the Flip Knife due to its sleek and powerful design.

Animations

The inspect animation for all flip knives uses a 180-degree motion for both sides. The slash animations feature either a downward or forward motion.

Colors

The Flip Knife Autotronic offers a light and shiny silver blade with a dark blood-red accent. Near the bottom of the blade, one can see a steel mesh pattern in the shape of a cross or x. Furthermore, it uses a generic black handle. 

Keep in mind that the color shades vary depending on the knife's condition.

In some cultures, black and red colors symbolize power and authority. The blood-red color of the knife may also symbolize the mark of an aggressive, but swift hunter.

Playstyles

The Autotronic Flip Knife is designed for universal use, catering to individuals with various play styles. 

However, it may better suit a lurker role or a passive-aggressive play style, manifesting a silent, but, deadly combination. Despite its small size, the flip knife’s sharp curve provides an element of surprise.

How To Get The Flip Knife | Autotronic

•  Gamma Case
•  Gamma 2 Case 
•  Steam
•  BitSkins
• Other third-party sources such as Skinport, CS.MONEY, etc.

11. Huntsman | Lore ($200-$450)

See the Huntsman Lore In Action

Based on the real-life MX-8054-MC knife, the Huntsman Lore came out in 2021. One can also refer to the Operation Riptide update.

Branded as MTech USA Xtreme, the MX-8054-MC or Huntsman knife is made of stainless steel and usually weighs less than a pound. It’s primarily used for camping and self-defense. 

Unlike the flip or Karambit, Huntsman knives often use a tanto tip (two cutting points atop instead of one flat or curved tip).

The tanto knife dates back to 12th century feudal Japan where Samurais mostly carried two swords: a long and short one. The latter was known as tanto, or dagger/short sword. 

Two of its biggest upsides are tip strength, given its triangular shape, and sturdiness, thanks to its two-point cutting plane. 

Aside from slashing, its kitchen counterpart is effective for slicing, puncturing, and chopping various foods. 

Yes, the Huntsman knife offers a unique twist given its tooth-liked edges and two-point tip.

Animations

Players can inspect the knife in a 180-degree fashion. Slashing occurs upward and downward. 

Colors

The Lore uses a knot pattern toward the tip. The blade shines with a speckled gold color whereas the pickle-green handle provides a decent contrast.    

Playstyles

The Huntsman Knife, given a combination of bulkiness and sleekness, may symbolize a playmaker role or semi-aggressive playstyle. Players adopting this strategy occasionally take bigger risks to execute a few game-changing plays throughout the match.

How To Get The Hunstman Knife | Lore

•  Dreams and Nightmare Case
•  Operation Riptide Case
•  Steam 
•  BitSkins
•  Other third-party sources such as Skinport, CS.Money, etc.

10. Bowie Knife | Vanilla ($180-$200)

See The Vanilla Bowie Knife In Action

The Vanilla Bowie Knife came out in 2016 as part of the Operation Wildfire update.

In the early 19th century, Rezin Bowie supposedly created the original Bowie Knife for his brother, Jim Bowie. Jim was known for using large knives at a duel called the Sandbar Fight.

Bowie knives are often used for self-defense and skinning animals. Its slightly curved blade and acute point also help with cutting wood and scaling fish. Other features include a straight blade for cutting meat, a cross guard for handling, and a clip point for precision. 

Thus, power and endurance seem to be the two key qualities of the Bowie knife.  

Animations 

When idle, players can only see their right hand. Most knives, however, show an empty hand on the left and a knife on the right. The inspect animation shows a 180 flick toward the player. The slice animations vary from left to right and diagonally. 

Colors

Even though the Vanilla Bowie is a default skin, the dark gray and silver tip provides a nice contrast with one another. Furthermore, one could argue that it poses a rather clean and sturdy look, given its strong cross guard at the bottom and sharp tip at the top. 

Playstyles

The Bowie Knife's power and durability make it suitable for a strong entry fragger and/or keen survivalist. Many players, for example, adopt semi-aggressive or counter-aggressive playstyles that offer a balance between kills and vitality. 

How To Get The Bowie Knife | Vanilla

•  Operation Wildfire Case
•  Steam
•  BitSkins
•  Skinport
• Other third-party sources

9. Paracord Knife | Case Hardened ($180-$450)

See The Case Hardened Paracord Knife In Action

Introduced in 2019, the knife debuted in the Operation Shattered Web update. 

Paracord knives feature parachute cords (or rope) wrapped around the handle in a woven or braided pattern. This design enhances users' grip, particularly in wet conditions. Its versatility extends to tasks such as repairs, shelter construction, and crafting tools. 

Thus, the knife proves to be a practical tool, seamlessly blending a sharp blade with the utility of a paracord; a fusion of strength and support.

Animations

Players can inspect the knife from both sides. The slash animations vary from left to right and vice versa. Sometimes players will throw the knife from one hand to the other (left to right). Lastly, players may see the recurring flip animations from the palm of their hand. 

Colors

Case Hardening is the process of heating and cooling metals to increase their durability. Subsequently, users may see the knife’s color resembling oak wood, silver, crystal blue, and galaxy purple.  

Playstyles

By virtue of its strength and utility, the paracord knife may mirror the role of a support player with effective utility usage in addition to aim. Similar to how a paracord’s effectiveness changes, a strong support role adapts to their circumstances. Whether taking one for the team, throwing smokes and flashes strategically, or switching roles to disrupt an enemy’s timing, support players (or roles) add another dimension to the game beyond frags. 

How to Get The Paracord Knife Case Hardened

•  Fracture Case Shattered Web Case
•  Steam (patterns vary)
•  BitSkins
•  Other third-party sources

8. M9 Bayonet Black Laminate ($620-$1,100)

See the M9 Bayonet Black Laminate In Action

The knife came out in 2016 as part of the Gamma Exposure update. 

U.S. Armed Forces often pair M9 Bayonets with the M16 rifle and M4 carbine. It typically features a clip-point blade, sawback edges, a textured grip, and a safety handle. The carbon blade steel balances strength, sharpness, and corrosion resistance. Similar to the original Bayonet, soldiers often attach the M9 to the muzzle of a rifle, transforming it into a spear or standalone combat knife. One of the main differences is their compatibility with certain rifles. In addition to combat, the M9 can cut some wires and act as a saw.

With its robust handle, tooth-like edges, and piercing blade, the M9 Bayonet offers versatility and precision. 

Animations

The M9 Bayonet shares the same, if not nearly identical animations with the original Bayonet (see the corresponding option). 

Colors

The blade appears to be a mixture of black and gray. Part of the outline is white and etched with a bit of gray as well. The handle looks as if a grenade was peeled off and attached as a skin. A black safety divider, along with a ring for the rifle's muzzle, lies between the blade and the handle.

Playstyles

The M9 Bayonet could portray a versatile yet deadly rifler/AWPER given its multi-faceted blade, handle, and extremely sharp tip. These player archetypes roam across the map for frags while occasionally dealing high damage. It's worth noting that while a clip-point blade is exceptional for piercing objects, it’s also fairly thin (but precise). 

How To Get The M9 Bayonet Black Laminate

• Gamma Case
• Gamma 2 Case
• Steam
• Bitskins
• Other third party sources such as Skinport, CS.MONEY, etc.

7. Falchion Knife Doppler Phase 1 ($600-$650)

See the Falchion Knife Doppler P1 In Action

The F.K.D. P1 came out in 2017 as part of the Canals update. 

Designed after the Falchion sword (European descent), it looked more like a machete or sabre at the time. The original structure allowed for cutting, chopping, and powerful slash attacks.

Both share a clip point (where the end seems broken off), yet, the knife possesses more of a curved edge today.

Moreover, the knife is smaller compared to most of its in-game counterparts. Still, its sleekness and uneven cut provide a nice contrast with one another.

Animations

The knife flips and rotates in a 360-degree fashion. Players can see a falcon engraved on the blade as well. It slashes from left to right and diagonally. Sometimes, players will catch the knife mid-air while performing a balancing act. 

Colors

Phase 1 Dopplers often feature gradient or transitional colors. Here, the falchion showcases typical colors of a galaxy, such as purple, blue, and even a bit of pink.  

Playstyles

Due to their small size, uneven curve, and sleek design, falchion knives may represent players with a conservative play style. These players tend to minimize risks, but occasionally make aggressive plays to catch their opponent off-guard. 

How To Get The Falchion Knife | Doppler | Phase 1

•  Spectrum Case
•  Spectrum 2 Case
•  Steam (Does not list out variations, however)
•  CS.Money
•  Other third-party sources

6. Talon Knife Vanilla ($400-$600)

See the Vanilla Talon Knife In Action

The original Talon knife came out in 2018 as part of the New Horizon update.

Talon knives come in various sizes, using distinct blades, handles, locking mechanisms, etc. Companies sell different versions of the, "Talon" brand with some similarities. For instance, many feature curved blades, sawtooth edges, and a ring handle.

These knives typically provide a lightweight grip for better handling, a hook to secure on a bike, or belt, for example, and a sharp point for cutting. Activities associated with Talon knives may include climbing, pushing, pulling, grappling, and striking.

Thanks to its unique ring handle, curved blade, and saw-tooth edges, the Talon Knife offers exceptional versatility and impressive strength. 

Animations

Players can execute quick flicks of the knife almost simultaneously. Upon inspection, the knife performs a twirl toward the player. Slashes emanate from left to right and upward. The ring handle enables users to twirl the knife effortlessly using their index finger.

Colors

With a shiny silver blade, the Vanilla Talon sports a light oak handle. A rather clean look with excellent versatility.

Playstyles

Talon Knives, with their graceful mobility and astonishing strength, may reflect a semi-aggressive or aggressive lurker playstyle. These players often fearlessly traverse the map while hunting enemies alone.

How To Get The Talon Knife Vanilla

• Horizon Case
• Danger Zone Case
• Steam
• BitSkins
• Skinport, CS.MONEY, and other third-party sources

5. Karambit | Autotronic ($1,000-$2,000)

See the Karambit Autrotronic In Action

The Karambit Autotronic released in 2016 as part of the Gamma Exposure update. 

Most Karambits feature an arc-shaped blade and hole-shaped handle. 

Karambits originated in Indonesia as a multi-purpose tool, aiding in tasks such as raking roots, gathering thresh, and planting rice. The knife's shape helped cut certain crops, while the handle made it more difficult to drop the knife. For example, one could cut and open a box without placing the knife on the floor. Eventually, though, Karambits became weaponized because of their curved potential. According to folklore, the Karambit was also inspired by a tiger’s claw. Did you know that they're retractable and extend up to 4 inches?

Similarly, users can appreciate the knife because of its thickness, sharpness, and unique hole-shaped handle. 

Animations

Thanks to its handle, players can easily twirl the knife. Upon inspection, the Karambit is idly flipped around with an open hand. When taking a stab at someone, the knife moves swiftly using a circular left-to-right and up-and-down motion.

The knife swivels around while the blade resembles a thick flip knife. Its sharp curves are a subtle reminder that the Karambit is no joke, as it cuts with ease. 

Colors

Like all Autotronic Knives, this Karambit uses a light and shiny blade with a dark red accent. The base handle is light black with a silver ring atop. Across the blade one can see three slanted steel mesh patterns in the shape of a pill.    

While the blade itself is fairly thick, the Karambit is surprisingly sleek; as if one were swiftly cutting crops with a scythe. Its mobility also gives it an edge, as the knife twirls and dances around the battlefield from the palm of one’s hand. 

Playstyles

While the Karambit is versatile and can be wielded by anyone, it may complement players with a semi-aggressive play style. After all, the Karambit’s ability to tear through obstacles is balanced by its sleek design, allowing players to not only frag, but exhibit trigger discipline. 

How To Get The Karambit Knife | Autotronic

• Gamma Case
• Gamma 2 Case
• Steam
• BitSkins
• Other third-party sources such as Skinport, CS.MONEY, etc.

4. Bayonet | Gamma Doppler | Phase 3 ($1,200-$1,300)

See the Bayonet Gamma Doppler P3 In Action (patterns vary)

The Bayonet G.D. P3 released in 2016 as part of the Gamma Exposure update.

Throughout history, soldiers used Bayonets for various outdoor activities and close-quarter combat by attaching them to the muzzle of a rifle. As a result, Bayonets were effective for thrusting into an opponent. 

The Bayonet typically features a long and straight blade with a single tip. Players can observe circular grips and an attachment piece at the end of the handle. A thick divider often separates the handle and blade.

While the invention of the knife remains unclear, some historians speculate that it originated in France or Germany as early as 1570.

Animations

As players draw the knife, the blade casually flips over. Players can also inspect the knife in a 360-degree motion. The slashing motion occurs downward, across the body, and away from the player.

Colors

For this Bayonet, the blade is smoky blue, transitioning from black to gray to teal. It’s as if one submersed themselves into a crystal clear ocean. The handle is a sediment gray; typical for many Bayonet skins. 

Playstyles

Thanks to its size and straightforward design, the Bayonet may reflect a fairly simple, but effective play style. Whether players are aggressive, passive, or a combination of both, frags come in all forms and don’t discriminate. 

How to Get The Bayonet | Gamma Doppler P3

• Gamma Case
• Gamma 2 Case
• Steam
• Other third-party sources

3. Skeleton Knife Stained ($300-$750)

See The Stained Skeleton Knife In Action

It came out in 2019 as part of the Operation Shattered Web update. 

Skeleton knives are often used as kitchen tools. Typically, they’re effective for cutting soft foods such as cheese. Many have holes on the blade so that sticky foods are less likely to cling. Furthermore, they tend to be much lighter. Some models, such as this one, incorporate a special grip for handling.  

As a result, the skeleton knife combines power and comfort, given its light weight and sharp blade. 

Animations 

Using an index finger and thumb, players can inspect the knife from the hole-shaped handle. This action results in the knife twirling, resembling some of the animations from the Karambit and Talon.

Colors 

All stained knives in-game display an oxidization pattern. In essence, the fusion of oxygen and metal forms a unique imprint on the knife's surface. The overall design appears to mimic the shape and strands of certain bacteria. The handle appears to feature black tape or grip.

Playstyles 

The Skeleton knife, characterized by its unique hole-shaped handle, lightweight build, and acute tip, may embody a versatile, spontaneous, yet effective play style. Players of this caliber navigate the map effortlessly while collecting frags. Despite their spontaneous behavior at times, they’re generally self-aware.  

How To Get The Skeleton Knife Stained

• Fracture Case
• Shattered Web Case
• Steam
• Bitskins, Skinport, CS.MONEY, and other third-party sources

2. Stiletto Tiger Tooth ($360-$530)

See the Stiletto Tiger Tooth In Action

As part of the, “Seeing The Light” update, the Tiger Tooth Stiletto came out in 2019.

Stiletto knives typically feature needle-like blades and switchblade mechanisms. Their design originated in medieval Italy; created to pierce through armor. However, even in modern times, the knife is less effective for cutting and slashing. Instead, the Stiletto is proficient at thrusting and stabbing. 

Given its sleekness, slenderness, and length, the Stiletto blade offers users high precision. 

Animations 

Players can examine the knife from both sides. Slash motions vary from left to right, upward, and diagonally. When transitioning from a gun to a knife, the switchblade mechanism activates, with the Stiletto popping up. Finally, players can entertain themselves by tossing the knife in the air.

Colors

As the name states, the knife uses a gold and brown tiger-striped pattern. Like all knives, shades vary depending on their condition. All in all, it looks like a golden tiger.

Playstyles

With their long and sleek appearance, Stiletto knives may embody a semi-conservative approach. The knife's length may also echo an elaborative play style. While not necessarily lurkers, these players are sometimes unpredictable, but are usually mindful of their surroundings.

How to Get the Stiletto Tiger Tooth

• Prisma Case
• Prisma 2 Case
• Steam
• Skinport
• Bitskins, CS.MONEY, and other third-party sources

1. Butterfly Knife Gamma Doppler | Emerald ($12,000-$18,000)

See the Butterfly Knife Gamma Doppler Emerald In Action

While the original came out in 2014, the Gamma Doppler edition debuted in 2021.

Some historians claim the knife originated in the Philippines. Several countries currently prohibit Butterfly knives however because of their inconspicuousness. 

Unlike many of its counterparts, the Butterfly Knife uses a pivoting blade. As a result, players can either hide or display it. When deployed, the two handles spread apart, resembling a butterfly's wings. 

Beyond self-defense and a collector's item, individuals may use the knife for parlor tricks and everyday cutting tasks.

Animations

The knife transitions from one to two handles. Players can also twirl it around. Sometimes, the thumb rubs slightly against the blade, subtly reminding players of their own power.

Colors

The Emerald uses a bright and extravagant green color, resembling kryptonite. It also shares some resemblance with the green Sonic Chaos Emerald. And in daylight, it shines ever so brightly. 

Playstyles 

The sleekness and mobility of the Butterfly knife may mirror agile players or playstyles. Essentially, it’s a reflection of players with long, elegant, yet effective movement. While any player can improve this skill set, the shape and mobility of the Butterfly knife subtly reinforces this notion.

How To Get The Butterfly Knife Gamma Doppler Emerald

• Dreams and Nightmare Case, but super rare
• Operation Riptide Case, but super rare
• Third-party sources, albeit very rare!