CS2 trade ups are one of the most talked-about features in the CS2 skin economy. Many players ask: “Can I trade up to a knife?” If you’re wondering what skins give what knife in trade up, this guide will break it down clearly and accurately. We’ll show which case collections and Covert skins can lead to knife or glove outputs when used correctly, so you can make smarter trade up decisions without losing valuable skins.
But there is a special mechanic involving Covert (knife/gloves) trade ups with cases and that’s what this guide shows in a clear, practical way. We’ll list all case collections and skin groups that can lead to knife or glove outputs when used in the correct trade up contract.
If you’re new to CS2 mechanics in general, this fits well alongside our CS2 beginner guide.
CS2 Knife & Glove Trade Up Rules
Before the tables, know these core mechanics:
- You provide 5 skins from covert rarity.
- For knife/glove results, you need Covert skins from case collections.
- The output will be 1 Covert tier skin which can be a knife or gloves from the same collection that the skins you provided belongs to.
- The trade up does not guarantee a knife or gloves it selects randomly from the Covert skins eligible from the collections provided.
For a deeper breakdown of how trade ups work step-by-step, see our trade up calculator guide.
How to Use This Guide
- Match your trade up inputs to knife case collections
- The more skins you use from one case, the higher your chance for that case’s knife
- Be aware that float averages matter check your average before trading
If you’re unsure how floats affect skins, this guide explains it clearly in our CS2 float guide.
Case Collections That Can Lead to Knives or Gloves
Below are the most common case families you’ll see in CS2 when aiming for knives/gloves. Each case has several Covert skins including knives.
If you want a full overview of every knife type currently available in CS2, check our CS2 knife types guide.
The Prisma 2 Case
One of the most popular modern CS2 cases.
Covert Skins:
- M4A1-S Printstream
- Knife Types (e.g., Butterfly, Karambit)
- Gloves (not available in collection)
If you’re curious about which cases actually contain knives, this pairs well with our CS2 knife cases guide.
The Snakebite Case
A staple for knife traders.
Covert Skins:
- AUG Aristocrat
- Knife Family Pool
- Gloves (available in collection)
Snakebite is often discussed alongside general case odds in our CS2 case odds and drop rates guide.
The Spectrum Case
Favorites among traders and collectors.
Covert Skins:
- AK-47 Emerald Pinstripe
- Knife Pool (available in collection)
- Gloves (not available in collection)
Spectrum knives are commonly compared with other high-value skins found in our most expensive CS2 skins guide.
The Gamma 2 Case
Known for high-tier finish varieties.
Covert Skins:
- M4A1-S Mecha Industries
- Knife Pool (available in collection)
- Gloves (not available in collection)
If glove trade ups interest you, this also connects nicely to knife pricing trends in our most expensive CS2 knives guide.
Using Case Collections Together
You can mix Covert skins from multiple case collections in the same trade up, and the system will weight chances proportionally based on how many skins from each collection you provide.
Example Mixed Trade Up:
- 3 skins from Prisma 2
- 2 skins from Spectrum
Result:
- 60% chance of a Prisma 2 output
- 40% chance of a Spectrum output
This strategy is commonly used by experienced traders, as discussed in our CS2 ROI guide.
Profit & Likelihood Tips
Here are some practical pointers:
- Always compare input cost vs output value
- Check Steam market fees before estimating profit
- Rare cases often have fewer total eligible Covert skins
If you’re serious about trading, this guide is a strong companion read with our best CS2 trading sites guide.
Common Knife Cases & Their Most Wanted Knives
| Case Family | Popular Knives | Notes |
| Prisma 2 | Karambit, M9 Bayonet | High market demand |
| Snakebite | Butterfly, Huntsman | Balanced rarities |
| Spectrum | Flip, Gut Knives | Consistent pricing |
| Gamma 2 | Bowie, Talon | Often includes gloves |
For deep dives into rare patterns like Blue Gems, see our Karambit Blue Gem guide.
Mistakes Players Make With Knife Trade Ups
- Expecting guaranteed knives
- Mixing skins from non-knife collections
- Ignoring float limitations
- Forgetting Steam’s selling tax
Understanding Steam trade mechanics helps avoid losses with this guide on how to check someone’s Steam trade history.
Final Thoughts
While you can’t directly force a knife via a standard rarity jump, Covert trade ups tied to knife cases are real and widely used in the cs2 skin trade ecosystem.
Always double-check:
- Case eligibility
- Float averages
- Market prices
For additional context on how skins enter the CS2 economy and how drop pools work, this CS2 drops guide complements everything discussed above.
