The cheapest Karambit in CS2 right now is usually the Karambit Forest DDPAT, with lower cash market listings sitting around the high $300 range at the time of writing. The Karambit Safari Mesh is extremely close and can sometimes become the cheapest option depending on the marketplace, wear and available listings.
If you specifically want the Karambit animation and curved blade without spending $1,000 or more on a Doppler, Fade or another premium finish, these are the Karambits worth looking at.
If you just want the lowest priced knife of any type, we have a separate guide covering the cheapest knife in CS2.
Cheapest Karambits in CS2 Right Now
| Karambit | Rough Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Forest DDPAT | $370 to $420 | Cheapest overall |
| Safari Mesh | $380 to $430 | Cheap classic Karambit |
| Boreal Forest | $380 to $440 | Green loadouts |
| Scorched | $400 to $450 | Dark budget finish |
| Urban Masked | $400 to $460 | Clean gray look |
| Rust Coat | $390 to $500 | Unique worn finish |
| Night | $475 to $520 | Best clean dark option |
These are rough market ranges checked in August 2026 rather than fixed prices. The lowest listing can change quickly, especially between Steam and cash marketplaces. Current trackers show several of these cheaper Karambits clustered within a relatively small price range.
1. Karambit Forest DDPAT
Price: Around $370 to $420
If your only goal is owning a Karambit for as little money as possible, start here.
The Forest DDPAT has been sitting around the bottom of the Karambit market in 2026, with current marketplace comparisons showing listings in the high $300 range.
The finish is simple. You get a green and brown camouflage pattern across the blade, but more importantly, you still get the exact same Karambit model, draw animation and inspect animation as the expensive versions.
For someone buying their first premium knife, that matters more than the finish.
2. Karambit Safari Mesh
Price: Around $380 to $430
Safari Mesh has always been one of the first places budget Karambit buyers look.
It has a tan mesh pattern that is nowhere near as flashy as a Doppler or Fade, but that is also why it stays relatively affordable. Current listings put Field Tested, Well Worn and Battle Scarred copies around the $380 to $420 area on lower priced marketplaces.
Safari Mesh and Forest DDPAT regularly sit close enough in price that I would inspect both and simply buy whichever one you prefer.
Before paying extra for a better exterior, read our CS2 float and wear guide. A decent Field Tested knife can sometimes make much more sense than paying a large premium for Minimal Wear.
3. Karambit Boreal Forest
Price: Around $380 to $440
Boreal Forest is another cheap camouflage option, but I think it looks a little more interesting than Forest DDPAT.
It mixes darker green and gray across the blade, which works especially well with military themed or green inventories.
Battle Scarred and Field Tested copies tend to be the ones to watch when shopping on a budget. Current market data places the cheaper versions around the same general range as Safari Mesh.
If you are trying to build an entire inventory without destroying your budget, our best budget loadouts in CS2 guide is worth checking too.
4. Karambit Scorched
Price: Around $400 to $450
The Scorched is probably one of the better choices if you want a cheap Karambit without the camouflage look.
Its black and gray finish is much easier to pair with darker gloves and weapon skins. Market prices vary heavily between sites, but cheaper versions continue to sit near the lower end of the Karambit market in 2026.
It is also a good knife to build around if you eventually want one of the best CS2 glove and knife combos.
5. Karambit Urban Masked
Price: Around $400 to $460
Urban Masked keeps things extremely simple.
The blade is mostly gray with a faded masked pattern, so it does not scream budget skin as much as Safari Mesh sometimes can.
Battle Scarred and Well Worn versions are normally where the value is. Current pricing puts the cheaper copies around $400 and above, although listings vary between marketplaces.
If you are buying skins from third party markets, it is also worth understanding how experienced traders compare listings. Our guide on how professionals trade CS2 skins covers the basics.
6. Karambit Rust Coat
Price: Around $390 to $500
Rust Coat is different because looking worn is the entire point.
It is only available in Well Worn and Battle Scarred conditions, so you do not have to worry about paying a massive Factory New premium. The blade has a heavily rusted appearance that actually becomes part of the skin’s identity.
Current market comparisons show cheaper Battle Scarred listings starting around the low $400 range, with occasional listings dipping below that.
It is definitely not for everyone, but if you like the finish, it is one of the more interesting ways to get into a Karambit without moving into premium prices.
7. Karambit Night
Price: Around $475 to $520
The Karambit Night costs a little more, but this is where I would start looking if appearance matters just as much as price.
Instead of camouflage or rust, Night gives the blade a simple dark finish. Battle Scarred and Well Worn versions are much cheaper than Factory New, which can cost several times as much.
For roughly another $100 over the absolute cheapest Karambits, it can be a much cleaner inventory piece.
Which Cheap Karambit Should You Buy?
For the absolute cheapest Karambit in CS2, I would check Forest DDPAT first, then compare it directly against Safari Mesh.
For looks, I would spend slightly more and consider the Scorched or Night.
And if you just want the Karambit itself and do not care much about the finish, buy the cheapest decent float you can find rather than paying hundreds more for a better wear rating.
Our guide on how to save money on CS2 skins goes deeper into why Field Tested and even Battle Scarred skins can sometimes offer much better value.
Why Are Karambits Still So Expensive?
Even the cheapest Karambit costs considerably more than cheap Navaja Knives, Shadow Daggers or Gut Knives.
Part of that simply comes down to demand.
The Karambit has one of the most recognizable knife models in Counter Strike, an iconic reverse grip and one of the animations players have wanted for years. We ranked it number one in our current CS2 knife tier list.
The premium versions can go in the completely opposite direction. Dopplers, Fades and rare Case Hardened patterns can sell for huge amounts, with the famous Karambit Blue Gem sitting at the extreme end of the CS2 skin market.
You can read our full Karambit Blue Gem guide or see how it compares with the most expensive CS2 skins in 2026.
Can You Unbox a Karambit in CS2?
Yes. Karambits are available as rare special items from a number of older CS2 cases.
The exact case matters because different case families contain different knife pools and finishes. If you want to see every option, our complete list of CS2 cases with Karambits breaks them down individually.
You can also compare them with our guide to the best CS2 knife cases.
Buying the knife directly gives you control over the exact finish and wear you receive. Opening cases is random, so never treat unboxing as a guaranteed cheaper route to a Karambit.
Final Thoughts
The Karambit Forest DDPAT is currently one of the cheapest Karambits you can buy in CS2 in 2026, with Safari Mesh sitting extremely close behind it.
If price is everything, compare Forest DDPAT, Safari Mesh and Boreal Forest first.
If you can stretch the budget slightly, Scorched, Urban Masked and Night give you cleaner looking alternatives while still staying well below premium Karambits.
Most importantly, compare actual listings before buying. Karambit prices move constantly and a knife that is cheapest today may not be the cheapest next week.
New to the skin market? Start with our CS2 skin trading guide for beginners or browse more of the best CS2 skins.
