Cheapest Covert Skins to Use in Trade-Ups

Since the major Trade Up Contract changes, knife crafting in CS2 has become far more accessible than it used to be. After the initial market shock settled and prices stabilized, it is now possible to plan knife trade-ups with a clear understanding of costs and outcomes. In this guide, we take a closer look at the cheapest Covert (red) skins that can be used for knife crafting in CS2 today.

Can Every Covert Skin Be Used to Craft a Knife?

Not all Covert skins are suitable for knife trade-ups. While the system allows players to exchange five red skins for a gold-tier item, several important limitations apply.

First, some collections only drop gloves instead of knives. Using skins from those collections means you may end up with gloves rather than a knife, which is not ideal if your goal is knife crafting. Second, Souvenir skins cannot be used in Trade Up Contracts at all. Finally, certain collections do not contain any gold items, making knife crafting impossible from those skins regardless of price.

For reliable results, it is essential to choose Covert skins from collections that are confirmed to drop knives.

Why Field-Tested Skins Are the Best Choice

In this article, all examples focus on Field-Tested skins. The average float value of input skins directly affects the float of the resulting knife. Field-Tested skins offer the best balance between cost and appearance, producing knives that look clean without the premium price of Minimal Wear or Factory New inputs.

AWP Chrome Cannon & Glock-18 Gold Toof

Possible knife result: Kukri Knife

Two of the cheapest Covert skins currently available for knife crafting come from the Kilowatt Collection. Both the AWP Chrome Cannon and Glock-18 Gold Toof are priced lower than most reds due to the limited knife pool in this case.

The Kilowatt Collection only drops the Kukri Knife. While it may not carry the prestige of a Karambit or Butterfly, it still offers a clean design and unique animations. As a result, the total cost of crafting a knife from this collection remains relatively low compared to other options.

FAMAS Commemoration

Possible knife result: Classic Knife

The FAMAS Commemoration provides access to the Classic Knife, one of the more niche knife models in CS2. Although it is not considered top-tier, the Classic Knife has a dedicated fan base thanks to its retro animations and distinctive silhouette.

Because demand for the Classic Knife is lower than for more popular models, the total cost of crafting it through Trade Up Contracts is comparatively affordable. Using five Field-Tested FAMAS Commemoration skins can result in a Classic Knife for a fraction of the price of most high-end knives.

AK-47 Legion of Anubis & Desert Eagle Printstream

Possible knife result: Skeleton Knife

The Fracture Collection offers one of the most visually appealing knife outcomes: the Skeleton Knife. Known for its unique inspect animations and lightweight design, the Skeleton Knife remains highly desirable.

Both AK-47 Legion of Anubis and Desert Eagle Printstream are popular skins in their own right, which keeps their prices higher than some alternatives. Sacrificing these skins for a trade-up can feel difficult, but the potential reward—a Skeleton Knife—often justifies the cost for collectors and traders alike.

M4A4 Desert Strike

Possible knife result: Huntsman Knife

The M4A4 Desert Strike is one of the more affordable red skins that can lead to a Huntsman Knife. The Huntsman’s large blade and aggressive design divide opinions, but many players appreciate its strong presence in-game.

An additional advantage of this trade-up path is the chance to obtain visually striking finishes such as Fade or Case Hardened, which can significantly increase the value of the resulting knife.

M4A4 The Battlestar

Possible knife result: Bowie Knife

While M4A4 The Battlestar is not considered a standout skin visually, it offers access to the Bowie Knife. Named after the iconic musician, the Bowie Knife features a large blade that looks impressive regardless of finish.

Because demand for the Battlestar skin itself is relatively low, it remains one of the cheaper Covert options for players aiming to craft a Bowie Knife through Trade Up Contracts.

How to Check Which Knife a Skin Can Drop

To determine which knife can be crafted from a specific Covert skin, you need to identify the collection it belongs to. Once the collection is known, find the corresponding case and check its gold-tier drop pool. This method provides a clear and reliable way to plan knife trade-ups without unnecessary risk.

Final Thoughts

Knife crafting in CS2 is no longer reserved for high-budget traders. With careful selection of Covert skins, it is possible to target specific knife types while keeping costs under control. While outcomes are still random, understanding collections, knife pools, and price dynamics significantly improves your chances of making a profitable or satisfying trade-up.

As the market continues to evolve, monitoring Covert skin prices and knife demand remains essential for anyone interested in crafting knives efficiently in CS2.