Knife
| Knife | |
|---|---|
| Type | Melee |
| Team | Both |
| Price | Free (default) |
| Base Damage | 34 (slash) / 55 (stab) / 76 (backstab) |
| Fire Rate | — |
| Magazine / Reserve | — / — |
| Kill Reward | $1500 |
| Movement Speed | 250 units/s |
The Knife is the default melee weapon carried by all players in Counter-Strike 2. It cannot be dropped or purchased and is always available as a last resort or for movement speed. Cosmetic knife skins are among the most valuable items in the CS2 skin economy.
Overview
Every player spawns with a knife regardless of their loadout. The knife has two attack modes: a fast left-click slash and a slower but more powerful right-click stab. While rarely used as a primary weapon, the knife is important for movement speed (the fastest of any weapon) and for situations where ammunition runs out.
The knife is also culturally significant in Counter-Strike. Knife kills are considered humiliating, and knife rounds (where all players agree to fight with knives only) are a common tradition at the start of competitive matches to determine starting side.
Weapon Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Price | Free (always equipped) |
| Slash Damage (front) | 40 |
| Slash Damage (back) | 65 |
| Stab Damage (front) | 65 |
| Stab Damage (back) | 180 (instant kill) |
| Slash Rate | ~1.5 attacks/sec |
| Stab Rate | ~0.8 attacks/sec |
| Movement Speed | 250 units/s |
| Kill Reward | $1,500 |
Usage Tips
- The knife provides the fastest movement speed in the game at 250 units/s. Switch to knife when rotating.
- Backstab (right-click from behind) deals 180 damage, an instant kill on full-health opponents.
- The $1,500 kill reward is the highest in the game, providing a massive economic boost.
- Front stabs deal 65 damage, meaning two front stabs will kill a full-health opponent.
- Left-click slashes are faster but deal less damage (40 front, 65 back).
- Only use the knife in emergencies or when you can guarantee a backstab.
Knife Skins
Knife skins are the most prestigious and expensive cosmetic items in CS2. They come in various blade styles including Karambit, Butterfly Knife, Bayonet, M9 Bayonet, Flip Knife, and many more. Some rare knife skins can be worth thousands of dollars. See Skins for more information.