CS2 Night Guide: The Classic Dark Stealth Knife Finish
Night is one of the original CS2 knife finishes, featuring a deep charcoal-to-black coloration that appeals to players who prefer understated, tactical aesthetics over flashy patterns. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Night knives, from float value impact to pricing dynamics and trading strategies.
Table of Contents
What is Night Finish?
Night is a classic knife finish introduced in the original CS:GO release, characterized by its deep, dark charcoal-to-black coloration. Unlike pattern-based finishes like Doppler or Fade, Night offers a uniform dark appearance that appeals to players who prefer tactical, stealthy aesthetics.
The finish creates a matte black appearance across the blade surface, making it one of the darkest knife options available in CS2. According to CS:GO Stash, Night has been consistently popular among players since its introduction, particularly those who appreciate minimalist design.
Key Characteristics of Night Finish
- Color: Deep charcoal to black matte finish
- Pattern: Uniform solid color (no pattern variation)
- Float Range: 0.00 - 1.00 (all conditions available)
- Origin: Classic CS:GO knife finish pool
- Best Condition: Factory New (cleanest dark appearance)
- Appeal: Tactical, stealthy, minimalist aesthetic
Night's appeal lies in its simplicity. While other finishes compete for attention with vibrant colors or intricate patterns, Night offers a subtle, professional look that many players find timelessly appealing. The finish works particularly well for players who want their knife to complement their loadout rather than dominate it.
Float Value Impact on Night Knives
Float value significantly affects how Night knives appear in-game. Understanding this relationship is crucial for making informed purchasing decisions. For detailed information on float mechanics, see our Float Values Explained guide.
Unlike finishes such as Rust Coat where higher wear can be desirable, Night follows traditional preferences where lower float values are more sought-after. The finish shows scratches and wear marks as light gray patches on the dark surface, which can significantly detract from the clean aesthetic.
Factory New
Minimal Wear
Field-Tested
Well-Worn
Battle-Scarred
Float Value Tip
For Night finishes, we recommend targeting Factory New (0.00-0.07) or low-float Minimal Wear (0.07-0.10) for the best visual experience. The price premium for FN is often justified by the dramatically cleaner appearance. Use our Float Checker tool to analyze specific float values before purchasing.
Knives with Night Finish
Night is available across all knife types that use the classic knife finish pool. Each knife presents the dark finish differently based on blade shape and size. For a complete overview of all knife models, check our Knife Types Guide.
Karambit Night
Curved blade creates elegant dark silhouette. The distinctive hook shape looks particularly menacing in Night finish.
M9 Bayonet Night
Large blade surface showcases the uniform darkness. Classic military aesthetic enhanced by Night's tactical look.
Butterfly Knife Night
Spinning animations create dynamic dark silhouette. Popular choice for players who enjoy knife tricks.
Bayonet Night
Classic military knife with clean lines. Night finish complements the tactical heritage of the bayonet design.
Huntsman Knife Night
Large hunting blade provides excellent canvas for Night's dark finish. Bold presence in-game.
Flip Knife Night
Compact blade with satisfying flip animation. Budget-friendly option that still looks sharp.
Falchion Knife Night
Unique curved blade design. Night finish creates an interesting contrast with the unusual shape.
Bowie Knife Night
Large traditional blade. Substantial presence with Night's dark coloration across the generous surface.
Shadow Daggers Night
Dual daggers with aggressive stance. Dark finish enhances the stealthy assassin aesthetic.
Gut Knife Night
Most affordable entry point for Night knives. Compact blade with distinctive gut hook.
Navaja Knife Night
Spanish-style folding knife. Unique animation and affordable pricing make it accessible.
Stiletto Knife Night
Sleek, narrow blade design. Elegant silhouette that pairs well with Night's minimalist aesthetic.
Note: Prices are approximate ranges for Field-Tested to Factory New conditions. Actual prices vary based on market conditions and specific float values. Always verify current prices on the Steam Community Market before purchasing.
Pricing & Market Values
Night knife pricing follows traditional patterns where Factory New commands significant premiums over lower conditions. Unlike Rust Coat, where condition matters less, Night's appeal is tied directly to its clean, unblemished appearance.
| Knife Type | Field-Tested | Minimal Wear | Factory New | FN Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gut Knife | $50-60 | $70-90 | $100-120 | ~2x FT |
| Navaja Knife | $60-70 | $85-100 | $110-130 | ~2x FT |
| Flip Knife | $80-100 | $120-150 | $160-180 | ~2x FT |
| Falchion Knife | $75-90 | $110-130 | $140-160 | ~2x FT |
| Bowie Knife | $80-95 | $120-140 | $150-170 | ~2x FT |
| Huntsman Knife | $90-110 | $140-170 | $180-200 | ~2x FT |
| Bayonet | $120-150 | $180-220 | $250-280 | ~2x FT |
| M9 Bayonet | $150-180 | $230-280 | $320-350 | ~2x FT |
| Karambit | $180-220 | $300-370 | $400-450 | ~2x FT |
| Butterfly Knife | $200-250 | $350-420 | $480-500+ | ~2x FT |
Prices are approximate and fluctuate based on market conditions. Data sourced from Steam Community Market and third-party tracking sites. Always verify current prices before trading. For more on market dynamics, see our Case Economy Guide.
Price Pattern Analysis
Night typically shows consistent 2x price multipliers from Field-Tested to Factory New across all knife types. This predictable pricing makes it easier to plan purchases and budget accordingly. The premium for FN is justified by the dramatically cleaner appearance - scratches on Night are particularly noticeable due to the contrast between dark surface and light gray wear marks.
Comparison with Other Dark Finishes
Understanding how Night compares to other dark-toned finishes helps you choose the right knife for your aesthetic preferences and budget.
Night
The darkest solid-color finish available. Pure black/charcoal appearance with no tint or pattern. Ideal for maximum stealth aesthetic. Scratches appear as light gray marks.
Blue Steel
Dark blue-gray metallic finish with subtle color variation. Slightly lighter than Night with a colored tint. Classic OG finish from original cases. See our Blue Steel Guide.
Ultraviolet
Deep purple/violet dark finish from Spectrum Case. Darker than typical purples but still has color. More expensive than Night. See our Ultraviolet Guide.
Vanilla (No Skin)
Default knife appearance with no applied finish. Silver/gray metallic look. Often more expensive than Night despite being "plain." See our Vanilla Knives Guide.
Urban Masked
Gray urban camouflage pattern with multiple gray tones. Dark tactical look with visual complexity. Budget-friendly camo alternative. See our Urban Masked Guide.
Dark Finish Recommendation
For the darkest possible look, Night is unmatched. If you want dark with a subtle color accent, Blue Steel (blue-gray) or Ultraviolet (purple) are excellent alternatives. Vanilla offers a different aesthetic entirely - clean metallic rather than dark. For detailed comparisons across all knife finishes, visit our Skin Patterns Guide.
Trading & Buying Tips
Smart purchasing strategies can help you get the best value when buying Night knives.
When to Buy Night Knives
- Summer Sales: Steam Summer Sale often depresses skin prices as players liquidate inventory. According to SteamDB, market volume typically spikes during major sales.
- After Major Tournaments: New case releases and hype can temporarily shift attention away from classic finishes.
- Weekday Mornings: Generally lower activity and prices compared to weekend peaks.
Float Value Considerations
- Factory New: Worth the premium for collectors who want the cleanest look. Target 0.00-0.03 float for lowest scratch visibility.
- Minimal Wear: Best value balance - significantly cheaper than FN with only minor visible wear. Sweet spot around 0.07-0.10 float.
- Field-Tested: Acceptable for budget buyers but scratches are noticeably visible. Only recommended if budget is limited.
- Well-Worn/Battle-Scarred: Generally not recommended for Night - the heavy scratching defeats the purpose of the dark aesthetic.
Marketplace Options
Compare prices across different platforms before purchasing. For a complete comparison of trading platforms, see our Third-Party Marketplaces Guide.
Pros & Cons of Night Finish
Advantages
- Darkest solid-color finish available - unmatched stealth aesthetic
- Budget-friendly compared to pattern finishes
- Timeless, classic look that never goes out of style
- No pattern variation means consistent appearance
- Works well with any loadout - doesn't clash
- Stable pricing with predictable value
- Available across all classic knife types
- Clean, professional aesthetic for competitive players
Considerations
- No rare variants or pattern-based premiums
- Scratches are highly visible (light on dark)
- Significant price jump to Factory New condition
- Not flashy - may feel "boring" to some players
- Limited investment/appreciation potential
- No unique patterns to discuss or compare
- Some may prefer colored dark options (Blue Steel, Ultraviolet)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Night finish in CS2?
Night is a classic knife finish featuring a deep charcoal-to-black matte coloration. It's one of the original finishes from CS:GO, known for its stealthy, tactical appearance. The finish creates a uniform dark surface across the blade without patterns or color variation. It appeals to players who prefer understated aesthetics over flashy designs.
Why is Factory New Night more expensive?
Factory New Night shows the finish at its cleanest - a deep, unblemished dark surface. As wear increases, scratches appear as light gray marks that contrast sharply against the dark background, significantly detracting from the clean stealth aesthetic. The FN premium (typically 2x Field-Tested price) reflects the dramatically better appearance and relative rarity of low-float Night knives.
How much does a Night knife cost?
Night knives range from budget to mid-tier pricing. Gut Knife Night starts around $50-60 (FT) to $100-120 (FN). Premium knives like Karambit Night range from $180 (FT) to $450+ (FN). The condition significantly impacts price - expect roughly 2x multiplier from FT to FN across all knife types.
Is Night a good first knife?
Night can be an excellent first knife if you prefer dark, tactical aesthetics. Advantages include affordable entry prices (Gut Knife FT around $50) and timeless styling. However, the significant scratch visibility means you'll want at least Minimal Wear for a clean look. If budget is very limited, consider Rust Coat where condition matters less.
Which cases drop Night knives?
Night drops from cases containing the classic knife finish pool, including Huntsman Weapon Case, Operation Breakout Case, Falchion Case, Shadow Case, and many newer cases that include the original knife pool. The finish has the standard knife drop rate of approximately 0.26%. See our Active Drop Pool Tracker for current case information.
What knives look best with Night?
Night works well across all knife types since its appeal is the clean, dark aesthetic rather than pattern details. Karambit's curved blade creates an elegant shadow profile. M9 Bayonet's large surface showcases uniform darkness. Butterfly Knife's animations look sleek in Night. Even budget options like Flip Knife and Gut Knife look distinctively tactical.
Is Night a good investment?
Night is stable but not growth-oriented. Prices remain consistent due to steady demand for dark aesthetics, but the finish lacks rare variants or pattern-based premiums that drive speculation. Factory New versions hold value well due to rarity. Night is best for players wanting a knife to use rather than speculative investment. For investment focus, consider pattern finishes like Doppler gems or Case Hardened blue gems.
Responsible Trading
CS2 skin trading involves financial risk. Prices fluctuate based on market conditions, and there's no guarantee of value retention or appreciation. Only spend what you can afford to lose. If you need help with gambling-related issues, visit BeGambleAware or National Council on Problem Gambling.
Last updated: January 2026