10 Best Cheap Knives Under $400 in CS2

Looking to pick up a premium CS2 knife without spending more than $400? This list covers the 10 best cheap knives under $400 that offer high-end visuals, smooth animations, and serious style—without going over budget. Whether you’re into flashy finishes like Fade and Doppler or prefer something sleek and tactical like Night, these knives give you that top-tier feel at a more affordable price. Each one delivers great value for what you pay, making them perfect for players who want to upgrade their loadout with a clean, high-quality skin that stands out in every match.

#10: Stiletto Knife | Ultraviolet

The Stiletto Knife | Ultraviolet (Field-Tested) is a clean and stylish option for CS2 players who want a sleek, modern look without spending more than $400. Its dark purple blade combined with a slim, switchblade-style design gives it a sharp and tactical feel that stands out without being too flashy. The Field-Tested condition adds just enough wear to give it some character, while still keeping the finish looking bold and clean. Priced around $300–$360, this knife is perfect for players who want a unique, edgy skin that pairs well with dark or neon-themed loadouts. If you’re looking for a cheap high-end CS2 knife that’s all about style and precision, the Ultraviolet Stiletto is a solid pick.

#9: Nomad Knife | Blue Steel

The Nomad Knife | Blue Steel (Field-Tested) is a rugged and refined option for CS2 players who want a premium-looking knife that still stays under $400. With its brushed steel look and subtle blue tint, the Blue Steel finish gives the knife a clean, worn-in feel that fits perfectly with tactical or muted loadouts. The Nomad’s heavy-duty design and beefy blade give it a powerful presence in-game, and its animation adds to that strong, survival-style vibe. In Field-Tested condition, it keeps its cool metallic finish while showing just a bit of natural wear. Priced around $300–$350, the Nomad Knife | Blue Steel is a great choice for players who want something tough, stylish, and budget-friendly.

#8: Paracord Knife | Slaughter

The Paracord Knife | Slaughter (Field-Tested) is a bold and aggressive skin that’s perfect for CS2 players looking to get a flashy knife under $400. With its bright red blade and sharp white pattern, the Slaughter finish gives off a high-energy look that instantly grabs attention. The paracord-wrapped handle adds a rugged, military-style touch, making it feel like a survival tool with serious style. In Field-Tested condition, the knife keeps most of its vibrant color, with just a bit of wear that gives it a slightly worn-in, realistic edge. Priced around $300–$340, this is a great choice for players who want a high-impact knife that feels tough, looks clean, and doesn’t go over budget.

#7: Huntsman Knife | Autotronic

The Huntsman Knife | Autotronic (Field-Tested) is a sharp and modern choice for CS2 players who want a high-tech look without going over $400. The Autotronic finish gives the blade a sleek, metallic appearance with bright red accents that feel straight out of a futuristic loadout. The Huntsman’s large, tactical shape adds to its bold presence, making it one of the more intimidating knife designs in the game. Even in Field-Tested condition, the red lines and metallic shine still hold up well, with only minor wear that adds some depth to the look. Priced around $300–$350, this knife is perfect for players who want something that feels powerful, looks clean, and fits perfectly into any tech-themed or aggressive skin setup.

#6: Classic Knife | Fade

The Classic Knife | Fade (Field-Tested) is one of the cleanest and most iconic picks you can get in CS2 under $400. With its smooth color gradient blending gold, pink, and purple, the Fade finish gives the blade a premium and flashy look that stands out instantly in any match. Even in Field-Tested condition, the color remains vibrant, and the slight wear around the edges adds just a touch of character without ruining the clean fade effect. The Classic Knife’s original design and fluid animation bring that old-school Counter-Strike feel, making it perfect for players who value both style and nostalgia. Priced around $320–$360, it’s a great option for anyone wanting a high-end-looking knife that’s colorful, reliable, and still within budget.

#5: Flip Knife | Gamma Doppler Phase 2

The Flip Knife | Gamma Doppler Phase 2 (Field-Tested) is a bold and colorful option for CS2 players who want a high-end look without spending over $400. With its mix of deep blues and emerald greens, the Phase 2 finish gives this knife a glossy, eye-catching appearance that stands out in any match. The Flip Knife’s fast animation adds to the appeal, making every draw and inspect feel smooth and satisfying. Even in Field-Tested condition, the vibrant colors hold up well, with just a bit of wear that adds some natural texture. Priced around $300–$350, this knife is a great choice for players who want a clean, flashy skin that fits into a stylish loadout and still stays within budget.

#4: Skeleton Knife | Crimson Web

The Skeleton Knife | Crimson Web (Field-Tested) is a bold and aggressive-looking CS2 knife that brings serious style without crossing the $400 line. With its dark blade covered in a sharp red web pattern, this skin instantly grabs attention and fits perfectly into high-impact or dark-themed loadouts. The Skeleton Knife’s lightweight, futuristic design and unique inspect animation make it feel different from any other knife in the game. In Field-Tested condition, the web pattern still looks clean, with just a bit of wear that adds a gritty, battle-worn edge. Priced around $350–$390, this knife is a top-tier pick for players who want something that feels both modern and intense. If you’re after a CS2 knife with a standout design and strong presence, the Crimson Web Skeleton Knife is a top choice under $400.

#3: Talon Knife | Doppler Phase 4

The Talon Knife | Doppler Phase 4 (Field-Tested) is a top-tier choice for CS2 players who want a flashy, high-end knife without going over the $400 mark. The Phase 4 finish features a dark, glossy mix of deep blues and greens that give the blade a rich, polished look from every angle. The Talon Knife’s signature curved shape and sharp, claw-like design make it feel powerful and aggressive, while the unique inspect animation adds extra flair. Even in Field-Tested condition, the vibrant Doppler colors stay bold, with only slight wear that adds character without dulling the shine. Priced around $350–$400, this is one of the best cheap Doppler knives in CS2 for players who want premium visuals and standout animations at a price that still makes sense.

#2: Ursus Knife | Fade

The Ursus Knife | Fade (Field-Tested) is a flashy and high-quality CS2 knife that delivers a premium look while staying just under the $400 mark. With its smooth gradient of gold, pink, and purple tones, the Fade finish gives the blade a vibrant and clean look that stands out in every match. The Ursus Knife has a rugged, military-style design with a straight edge and a powerful animation that feels satisfying and unique. Even in Field-Tested condition, the fade stays bright and smooth, with only minimal wear that doesn’t take away from the overall appearance. Priced around $350–$400, this knife is a perfect option for players who want a top-tier skin with bold colors and strong presence—without paying full Fade prices. If you’re after a cheap Fade knife in CS2 that looks premium and plays great, the Ursus Knife is an easy pick.

#1: Butterfly Knife | Safari Mesh

The Butterfly Knife | Safari Mesh (Field-Tested) is a perfect blend of classic style and affordability, making it one of the best CS2 knives you can get under $400. With its desert-camo inspired look, the Safari Mesh finish offers a clean, military vibe that works great with tactical or minimalist loadouts. The Butterfly Knife is known for its smooth, iconic flipping animation, and that alone adds a ton of personality to your inventory. In Field-Tested condition, the blade shows just the right amount of wear to feel realistic without looking too beat up. Priced around $350–$390, this knife is a great option for players who want that unmistakable butterfly flip with a more subtle and grounded skin. If you’re looking for a cheap CS2 knife that combines animation, history, and practical design, the Safari Mesh Butterfly Knife is a smart and stylish choice.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to level up your CS2 loadout with a premium knife that doesn’t go over $400, this list has you covered. From flashy finishes like Fade and Doppler to more tactical options like Safari Mesh and Blue Steel, these knives offer the perfect balance of style, animation, and price. Each pick brings its own flair, whether you’re after clean designs, vibrant colors, or classic animations. No matter your playstyle or aesthetic, these are some of the best value knives in CS2 for players who want to look good in-game without spending top dollar.