Best Budget CS2 Knife Skins Under $100 (2025 Guide)

If you’re trying to grab a clean-looking knife without spending more than $100, you’re not alone. CS2 skin prices are constantly rising, making it harder to find affordable blades. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with ugly or outdated skins. In this guide, we cover the best CS2 knife skins under $100 that are still worth flexing on your team and enemies alike.

Big Tip: Don’t Overpay – Use Trusted Marketplaces

IMPORTANT:
If you’re searching for these knives on Steam Market, expect the prices to be higher than average. Steam takes a big cut, and sellers usually list items above market value. To find the best deals, check these trusted sites:

  • Bitskins – Often 10–20% cheaper than Steam
  • Buff163 – Great for low-float and bulk deals, Marketplace from China
  • Skinport – Easy UI and good safety for buyers

Pro Tip: Trade up some popular cases or lower-tier skins to reduce the actual money you spend. Many players get discounts or freebies by bartering through Discord communities or Reddit trades.

Always compare prices across multiple platforms before buying. A few minutes of research could save you $10–$20 per knife.

1. Shadow Daggers | Autotronic (Battle-Scarred) – $95

The Shadow Daggers Autotronic are one of the most visually interesting red-themed knives available in the sub-$100 tier. While the Battle-Scarred (BS) condition means they come with noticeable wear, the signature red and silver blade design still shines through. They offer a sleek and aggressive look that punches well above their price.

2. Gut Knife | Black Laminate (Battle-Scarred) – $96

If you’re looking for a budget knife with a clean and modern appearance, the Gut Knife Black Laminate is a top contender. Its black-and-steel aesthetic is minimalistic and easy to match with any gloves or CT/T-side loadouts. Despite being Battle-Scarred, it still maintains its sharp, tactical appeal and is a fan favorite for good reason.

3. Paracord Knife | Stained (Battle-Scarred) – $99

The Paracord Stained flies under the radar, but it delivers in terms of visual quality and value. The stained metal finish gives it a rugged yet polished look, and the black handle pairs beautifully with most dark glove skins. Even in a Battle-Scarred condition, it holds up well, making it one of the most underrated knives under $100.

4. Shadow Daggers | Lore (Well-Worn) – $97

The Lore finish has always been a community favorite, and the Shadow Daggers version is no exception. These are the only fully yellow knives in the game without any green handles, which gives them a unique visual identity. While the Well-Worn condition means some loss of texture, they still stand out and look premium for the price.

5. Gut Knife | Damascus Steel (Minimal Wear) – $99

A shiny and elegant option, the Gut Knife Damascus Steel offers beautiful ripple patterns across the blade that catch light in all the right ways. The Minimal Wear (MW) condition keeps the skin looking fresh without going over budget. It’s a perfect pick for players who prefer knives that look clean and premium on a dime.

6. Shadow Daggers | Freehand (Minimal Wear) – $100

Purple-themed knives are rare under $100, but the Shadow Daggers Freehand are an exception. These feature unique white doodle-style graphics across a vibrant purple blade. While they can be tough to pair with cheap gloves, they’re a solid pick if you want something creative and eye-catching that doesn’t break the bank.

7. Survival Knife | Urban Masked (Field-Tested) – $98

Tactical and sleek, the Survival Knife Urban Masked comes with a white-and-grey camo design that looks straight out of a military loadout. It’s not the most popular option in the market, but it performs well visually—especially if you pick one with a low float. A solid pick for fans of urban camo or white loadouts.

8. Huntsman Knife | Scorched (Battle-Scarred) – $100

For players dreaming of a Huntsman knife under $100, the Scorched version is your only real option. Yes, the Battle-Scarred condition makes it look heavily worn, but the shape and feel of the Huntsman still make it one of the most iconic blades in CS2. Great for those who care more about silhouette than surface.

9. Bowie Knife | Bright Water (Well-Worn) – $100

Big and bold, the Bowie Knife Bright Water features blue aquatic camo patterns, perfect for pairing with CT skins and loadouts. While the Well-Worn condition can make it look a bit rough, the size and unique design still make it stand out. However, it’s slightly harder to trade compared to other knives on this list.

10. Navaja Knife | Crimson Web (Field-Tested) – $98

Despite mixed opinions on the Navaja’s shape, the Crimson Web finish adds a layer of style and menace. It’s not for everyone, but those who love the iconic red web look will appreciate this budget version. Just keep in mind that the knife handle design is quite small, which may not suit everyone’s taste.


Knives to Avoid (Unless You’re Feeling Brave)

Not all knives under $100 are worth it. Some stand out for the wrong reasons.

The Navaja Knife Forest DDPAT, priced at around $92, is widely considered the cheapest and dullest knife skin in the game. If your goal is just to own a knife, go for it—but most players would rather stick with the default.

Similarly, the Falchion Knife Scorched and Survival Knife Safari Mesh fall short in terms of visual appeal. They’re only viable if you’re strictly chasing budget, and even then, better options exist for just a few bucks more.


Bonus: Cheap Gloves That Go With Budget Knives

Pairing your knife with the right gloves takes your loadout to the next level. Here are a few glove options under $100 that look great with the knives listed above:

Hand Wraps | Duct Tape

– Rugged and go well with black or grey blades

Moto Gloves | Polygon

– Adds flair to red or purple knives

Driver Gloves | Overtake

– Perfect for clean, minimalist loadouts

Getting a CS2 knife skin under $100 is no longer easy, but it’s far from impossible. Whether you want something sleek like the Black Laminate, flashy like the Freehand, or big and bold like the Bright Water Bowie, this list proves you can still level up your loadout without going over budget.

Prices change frequently, so we recommend checking marketplaces like Steam Market, Skinport, or SkinsMonkey before buying.

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