Owning a Factory New knife in Counter-Strike 2 is often seen as the ultimate status symbol. While iconic blades like the Karambit fade or M9 Bayonet Doppler can cost thousands, you don't need a professional salary to add a pristine blade to your loadout. The market for the cheapest Factory New knives offers surprising variety for budget-conscious collectors who refuse to compromise on wear condition.
Whether you're looking for a scratch-less entry-level knife or a pristine budget gem to complete your loadout, this guide covers the most affordable Factory New options available in 2026. Ready to inspect these blades in-game? Visit SkinsMonkey to find the best deals on Factory New knives today!
Key Takeaways
- The specific knife model (e.g., Navaja, Shadow Daggers) impacts price more heavily than the finish, making unpopular models the goldmine for cheap Factory New skins.
- Paradoxically, low-tier finishes like Safari Mesh or Scorched are capped at 0.06 float, making Factory New versions rarer than Field-Tested ones, though demand keeps prices low.
- For a shiny, metallic look that screams “Factory New,” the Damascus Steel finish on budget knives often costs only slightly more than dull camouflage patterns.
- The best cheapest Factory New knives in CS2 are:
- Navaja Knife | Safari Mesh (Factory New)
- Shadow Daggers | Boreal Forest (Factory New)
- Gut Knife | Scorched (Factory New)
- Navaja Knife | Damascus Steel (Factory New)
- Shadow Daggers | Urban Masked (Factory New)
- Falchion Knife | Forest DDPAT (Factory New)
- Navaja Knife | Blue Steel (Factory New)
Understanding the Budget Knife Market
When hunting for the cheapest Factory New knives, you're mainly looking at the “entry-level” trio: Navaja Knives, Shadow Daggers, and Gut Knives. These models have less surface area or controversial animations (like the Navaja's simple flip), which keeps demand—and therefore prices—significantly lower than their larger counterparts.
Interestingly, keeping specific finishes in Factory New condition can be tricky. Finishes like Safari Mesh, Boreal Forest, and Scorched have a float cap that makes 0.00-0.07 float values relatively scarce compared to 0.15-0.38. However, because most players prefer bright “Doppler” or “Fade” skins, these militaristic camo patterns remain affordable even in pristine condition. For a detailed breakdown of knife mechanics, check out Ozzny's deep dive on knife finishes:
Top Picks: Cheapest Factory New Knives
Below is our curated list of 2026's most affordable Factory New knives. We've selected these based on market stability, availability, and the “cleanliness” of the blade—maximizing that Factory New look for your money.
Want to trade your old skins for one of these pristine blades? Check our CS2 trading bot for instant upgrades.
The Navaja Knife holds the title for the most affordable knife model in CS2, and the Safari Mesh finish is its most accessible entry point. In Factory New condition, the usually scratched-up beige mesh pattern looks surprisingly uniform. It’s a humble, minimalistic blade that proves you own a 0.0x float item, perfect for collectors who enjoy the irony of a “perfect” low-tier skin.
- Flavor text: “A predator is a predator, no matter the environment”
- Lowest Steam price: $75.00
- Available in collection: Horizon Case / Danger Zone Case
- First added: August 2, 2018
Shadow Daggers | Boreal Forest (Factory New)
Shadow Daggers, often called “butt plugs” by the community, have a cult following due to their unique dual-wield animation. The Boreal Forest camouflage in Factory New is exceptionally clean, with the forest green pattern covering the small blades entirely without the scratches seen on larger knives. It’s a tactical choice that fits well with military-themed CS2 gloves.
- Flavor text: “The woods keep their secrets”
- Lowest Steam price: $82.50
- Available in collection: Shadow Case
- First added: September 17, 2015
Gut Knife | Scorched (Factory New)
The Gut Knife is famous for its large, hook-bladed surface area. While the Scorched finish often looks beaten up in lower wears, the Factory New version offers a stark, matte black and gray contrast that looks almost like a chaotic “Black Laminate.” The heavy wooden handle complements the dark blade, making it a solid budget pick for T-side loadouts.
- Flavor text: “Born from fire”
- Lowest Steam price: $95.00
- Available in collection: CS:GO Weapon Case / Operation Bravo / Esports 2013 Winter / Esports 2014 Summer
- First added: August 14, 2013
This is arguably the best value-for-money Factory New knife on the market. Unlike the camo finishes, Damascus Steel is metallic and shiny, interacting beautifully with CS2's Source 2 lighting. Because it's a Navaja, it remains incredibly cheap, but the finish itself looks premium. In Factory New, the swirling steel patterns are bright and distinct, offering a “gem” look on a budget budget.
- Flavor text: “Finally, a weapon strong enough to match your resolve”
- Lowest Steam price: $98.00
- Available in collection: Prisma Case / Prisma 2 Case
- First added: March 13, 2019
Shadow Daggers | Urban Masked (Factory New)
For a clean, monochrome look, the Urban Masked Shadow Daggers in Factory New are unbeatable. The white-and-gray tape camo pattern looks creating a “stormtrooper” aesthetic that pairs perfectly with white gloves like King Snakes or Snow Leopards. In FN condition, the spray paint looks fresh and purposeful rather than worn out.
- Flavor text: “True power is often invisible”
- Lowest Steam price: $88.00
- Available in collection: Shadow Case
- First added: September 17, 2015
Falchion Knife | Forest DDPAT (Factory New)
The Falchion Knife offers one of the best rare animations in the game (balancing the knife on the palm). The Forest DDPAT finish in Factory New provides a digital pixel camouflage that looks sharp and modern. Unlike the Gut or Navaja, the Falchion has a more traditional folding knife silhouette, making it a “safer” pick for players who want a standard knife feel without the $500 price tag.
- Flavor text: “By the time you're close enough to notice the pixels, it's too late”
- Lowest Steam price: $105.00
- Available in collection: Falchion Case
- First added: May 26, 2015
If you want a knife that changes color depending on the light, Blue Steel is the cheapest reactive finish. In CS2, the Factory New Blue Steel can range from a pale purple to a deep oceanic blue. On the Navaja, this finish creates a classy, pocket-knife aesthetic that looks far more expensive than its sub-$100 price tag suggests. It's clean, simple, and undeniably Factory New.
- Flavor text: “Cold as ice, hard as steel”
- Lowest Steam price: $92.00
- Available in collection: Prisma Case / Prisma 2 Case
- First added: March 13, 2019
Owning a Factory New knife isn't reserved for the 1%. By targeting specific models like the Navaja or Shadow Daggers and choosing smart finishes like Damascus Steel or clean-looking camouflages, you can secure a 0.0x float blade for under $100. These knives offer the prestige of the “Factory New” tag without the exorbitant cost of high-tier karambits.
Ready to trade up? Visit SkinsMonkey.com to swap your unused inventory for one of these pristine budget knives today.
FAQ
What is the absolute cheapest Factory New knife in CS2?
The Navaja Knife | Safari Mesh (Factory New) is consistently the cheapest Factory New knife, often available for around $70-$80 depending on market fluctuations.
Are Factory New knives worth the extra cost over Minimal Wear?
For budget finishes like Safari Mesh or Scorched, the visual difference is minimal, but the rarity factor (capped float) keeps FN prices stable. For shiny finishes like Damascus Steel, Factory New offers noticeably brighter patterns and is worth the premium.
Why are Navaja knives so cheap even in Factory New?
Navaja knives have a smaller blade surface area and a simpler improved animation compared to other knives. This lower community demand keeps their prices down, making them the perfect entry point for budget collectors.
Where can I buy the cheapest Factory New knives?
Third-party marketplaces like SkinsMonkey are ideal for buying knives. You can inspect the float value instantly and often find prices 20-30% lower than the Steam Community Market, with no hidden fees on trades.
A true gaming enthusiast, especially Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS2) and Rust. At SkinsMonkey, he is involved in creating game guides based on his own experience.
