Counter-Strike: Global Offensivehas been around since August 2012 and during that time we have had the opportunity to see many new weapons and cosmetics added to the game. Owning a knife that isn’t the classic butter knife is a status symbol in the game.
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Over the years, we have seen a total of 19 knives added to the CS:GO. While some of them are iconic and highly sought after, there are a few that just are not well-liked at all. No matter how you feel about them, even without their patterns, they are still very sleek and will undoubtedly add value to your inventory.
10Gut Knife
The Gut Knife was introduced into CS:GO during the Arms Deal update in August 2013. Players could only obtain the knifethrough the weapons casesthat were added and that in itself is a very slim chance.
This knife maybe not be the go-to melee weapon for most, but its design is unique. Based on the real-life Buck Knives Alpha Hunter Model 193, the most notable feature is the gut hook. Its handle may not be the best, but you can get some really nice patterns for both the handle and the blade.
9Flip Knife
The Flip Knife is one of the oldest in the games. Along with the Gut Knife and three others, it was one of the first five original cosmetic knives in the Arms Deal update. It is based on the real-life Benchmade 860 Bedlam Folding Knife.
It may not be as popular as the other knives in the game, but it is one of the few that can be found with the Gamma finish. There are quitea few options for skins both cheapand expensive skins. Even if you don’t like the knife, you cannot deny how nice the animation is when you take the knife out.
8Survival Knife
The Survival Knife may look like the Gut Knife to many, but it is a sleeker design which might be more appealing. It was introduced to CS:GO during the Operation Shattered Web update in November 2019.
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Even though it’s compared to the Gut Knife because of its indent on the spine, you might notice it’s not as round and instead thinner than the other knife. It also has a nice animation, where your player throws it up by the blade and catches it by the handle. It is also one of the more budget-friendly options.
Another entry that made its debut during the Operation Shattered Wed update is the Nomad Knife. You might notice it resembles the Flip Knife but with a modern look due to its black and gray tones.
The knife is modeled after the Strider B46 with a different material used for the grip piece instead of the wooden one you might find on it. One of the things many players look for when a knife comes out is its animation — with this knife, the rare animation shows your player hurting himself when trying to take it out.
6Huntsman Knife
The Huntsman Knife has been in CS:GO since May 12, 2025, and might be one of the best mid-tier knives in the game. It is based on the real-life MTECH USA XTREME MX-8054 tactical fixed-blade knife and can only be obtained by opening The Huntsman Case.
There are quite a few skins for this knife that really only changes the color of the blade and are great for a budget or if you’re willing to splurge. The long blade really adds to the look of it while the animation showcases the knife being twirled and caught when taken out.
5Stiletto Knife
Fans of switchblade knives are in luck because the Stiletto Knife just might be the king of mid-tier knives in this game. The Italian-style switchblade seems to be based on the AB Italian Stiletto and has a spring-loaded blade that is deployed almost instantly.
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This knife was added to the game on August 3. 2018 update along with three other knives: the Ursus, Navaja, and Talon knives. It wasn’t exactly a fan favorite when it debuted but quickly gained popularity among the community and has now been dubbed the oversized toothpick knife.
4Skeleton Knife
Adding to the list of entries that debuted during the Operation Shattered Web update is the Skeleton Knife. It is modeled after the Renegade Tactical Steel G4 Stryker throwing knife and can only be obtained in the Shattered Web Case.
You might immediately notice the hole in the middle of the knife which is added for “stability and safety” according to the official description in the game. Taking the knife out you might see your player twirl it around their hand. You can also get a very cool inspection animation where the player spins it on their finger.
3M9 Bayonet
One of the top-tiered knives in the game is the M9 Bayonet. This weapon is based on the Smith and Wesson SW3B which is also modeled after the real-life M9 Bayonet. The long blade and cylinder-like handle have been a staple of CS:GO since the Arms Deal update.
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What makes this one of the best knives in the game is the fact that it is used quite a bit by pro players. Not to mention there are plenty of highly sought-after finishes which can be pretty pricey and make quite a dent in your bank account.
2Karambit
The Karambit is one of the most sought-after knives in the game and for good reason. The real-world knife originated in Indonesia and was used mainly for farming rice. Its uniquely designed curved blade and handle made it a very popular choice. The in-game model is based on the real-life United Cutlery Honshu Karambit.
The animations for the knifeare very satisfyingto watch, as your player spins the knife around their finger using the hole on the end of the handle. Purchasing any finish on the Karambit might cost quite a bit even for some of the lesser finishes. However, this is definitely one of the status symbol knives to show off in every game you’re in.
1Butterfly Knife
Perhaps the ultimate status symbol in the game when it comes to knives is the Butterfly Knife. This remarkable-looking knife was added to the game on July 1st, 2014 during the Operation Breakout update. Not only does the finishes look stellar on the weapon, but it arguably has the coolest animations.
When you take out your knife, your player might flick the knife open or instead spin it around their hand. you’re able to even get a very cool spinning animation when inspecting the knife. What makes this the top status symbol in the game is the price that this knife can go for. While some of the finishes start around the $500 range you might be spending upwards of over $3k for the high-end finishes like a Fade.
