VALORANT has a pretty sleek library of skins. As such, everyone wants to get their hands on one, especially knives. Although they can be expensive, knives are the coolest skins you can own. You can never get bored with playing with a knife. Whether it’s inspecting the cool animations or swinging it on the wall to make smiley faces, it never gets old.

However, some of the best knives typically cost upwards of 4,550 VP. So, if you’re on a budget or just not ready to spend $50+ on a virtual game skin (don’t get offended), here’s a detailed guide on the best cheap knife skins you can get that actually look good and feel the best bang for the buck.

Why Buy A Knife Skin?

Although a knife skin doesn’t offer any competitive edge, there’s just something fulfilling about pulling out a slick knife and swinging it any chance you get, or better yet, getting a knife kill with it.

On top of that, some animations and sounds just click with the vibe, so let’s dive in below and review the best ones.

What’s Cheap?

Talking about knife skins, cheap generally means 1,750 to 3,550 VP, or around $17-$35. Although VALORANT offers a vast collection of knives for every price point, with some even costing upwards of 5,000 VP, we’ll only be discussing knives with a $17-35 price tag.

You don’t have to worry, though, because cheap doesn’t always mean it's bad. There is still a variety of considerable knives at lower price points, and not to mention the Battle Pass knife, which you get along with the other rewards for about 1,000 VP plus some playtime.

Getting the seasonal Battle Pass is often the best value for money because, for about $10, you can get a knife skin along with other skins as well.

With that covered, let’s dive into some great budget-friendly knives in VALORANT.

Prime 2.0 Karambit Knife (3,550 VP)

Topping the list is one of my favorite knives in the game, the Prime 2.0 Karambit. The way it spins? Mesmerizing. It’s a bit pricier than other budget knives, but honestly, for its price, you’re getting a knife that feels much better than half the overpriced junk out there.

The best part about it is the pull-out sound. No joke, often I just end up swinging it around instead of actually playing the round.

If you’re lucky enough to have it appear in your in-game store, it’s gonna cost you around 3,550 individually, or 7,100 VP as part of the Prime//2.0 bundle. Also, if you find it in your Night Market at a discount, leap on it the first chance you get.

Black Market Butterfly Knife (3,550 VP)

Butterfly knives are considered the coolest knife type for most games, and VALORANT is no exception. There are many butterfly knives in VALORANT, but something about the Black Market Butterfly Knife.

The Black Market Butterfly is a satisfying, clean, and simple knife. It comes with the flipping animations that butterfly knives are known for. The knife and all items in the bundle have this combat, instead of the over-the-top design VALORANT is usually known for. It’s closer to a CS skin than a VALORANT one, which is why people love it.

It’s stealthy, slick, and feels amazing without being overdone. It’s a solid knife selection well worth its price.

If you’re a CS:GO veteran or a fan of it, you’re sure to enjoy the Black Market bundle, which costs around 7,100, including the butterfly knife. The knife can also be bought separately for around 3,550 VP from the in-game store, or even more discounted in the Night Market.

Reaver Knife (3,550 VP)

The Reaver Knife, one of the most popular knives in VALORANT, puts off a dark, gothic vibe, and the whoosh sound effects are simply soothing to the ears.

It’s got an eye-catching animation with real presence, honestly, a great budget-friendly knife worth its price tag.

Priced at around 3,550 VP, it can be purchased from the in-game store. Although it was initially released with the Reaver Bundle, the weapon skins only returned separately ever since, so you shouldn’t be waiting for the whole bundle to appear if you’re planning on it.

Elderflame Dagger (2,500 VP on sale)

The Elderflame Dagger is a much pricier knife, costing around 4,950 VP, but it tends to appear often in the Night Market, where it could be purchased for under 2,500 VP, making it absolutely one of the best knives at that price point.

Every true VALORANT player is aware of the flex this dagger carries. It boasts a fire-breathing dragon design that is sure to make its presence known. Animations are exceptional, making it worth waiting for if the Night Market is just around the corner.

Xenohunter Knife (3,550 VP)

The Xenohunter Knife, another one of my personal favorites, is the classic tactical, stealthy knife skin in VALORANT. It maintains a sleek look without being flashy and features a smooth animation.

It’s a popular pick among fans, and the perfect example of simple yet stylish. And of course, goes easy on the wallet. If you’re looking for a decent, low-key knife, then this one does the job.

This knife can be obtained from the in-game store, with a price tag of 3,550 VP for just the knife, or 7,100 VP as part of the Xenohunter bundle.

Equilibrium Knife (2,550 VP)

The Equilibrium Knife is part of the Kohaku & Matsuba Collection. It’s the perfect alternative to the popular Celestial Knife, which costs a tad more. The animations are smooth, and it has a regal, ancient vibe to it.

It can be obtained for around 2,550 VP separately or around 5,100 VP with the bundle. A solid and budget-friendly knife for players chasing something a bit different.

How To Get Your Money’s Worth

Night Market: I mean, who doesn’t like their favorite skins up to half off? It’s always worth waiting for some juicy discounts, as your favorite knife might just appear on the Night Market.

Battle Pass: If you’re looking to get the whole package without spending too much, the battle pass is for you. For only 1,000 VP, you get to obtain a knife and a bunch of other rewards by playing for a season.

Just Be Patient: I know, not everyone can wait around to get their hands on a knife skin, but Riot Games tends to release discounted bundle drops or events. So if you’re not in a rush, holding off can save you a stupid amount of money.