Many players wonder where to begin their journey with premium skins in CS2: should you buy a knife first, or gloves? Both choices make sense, but they offer completely different benefits. One provides an immediate visual impact and prestige, while the other significantly changes the look of your character every second you play.
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Why is it worth buying a knife first?
For many players, a knife is the most satisfying purchase. It’s an item with a clear “prestige effect”: the animations, model, inspect sequences and the act of pulling it out all make a big impression. Every knife model has its own character — the Karambit has its iconic spin, the Butterfly is the most spectacular, the Skeleton feels modern, and the M9 Bayonet has a heavy, “military” vibe. Another argument is market stability. Knives have a well-established position — their popularity doesn’t come from short-lived trends but from years of use and long-standing status within the CS community. This makes their value easier to predict, including potential price changes. For someone buying their first expensive skin, this matters — a knife is a “safer” purchase than gloves, whose prices can fluctuate far more chaotically.
Why gloves can also be a great first purchase
Gloves have one advantage a knife can never beat: visibility. You see them all the time — when running with your knife out, shooting, holding any weapon. If you want a visual change that you can enjoy 100% of the time, gloves do a far better job than a knife. Another big plus is the option to build color coordinated loadouts later. If you buy gloves first, you can match a knife to them afterward. This makes it easier to create a cohesive, aesthetically pleasing combo that looks like a professional setup rather than random items from different color palettes.
What should you consider when deciding?
Your playstyle matters. If you often “run with your knife out,” enjoy animations, like inspecting weapons and want something flashy — choose a knife. If you care more about effects you see all the time, gloves will be more satisfying. Future loadout building is also important. It’s easier to build a set when the first item has strong visual identity. If you start with gloves, you’ll match a knife to them. If you start with a knife, you’ll match gloves to its color scheme. Both paths are good — what matters is that your first purchase is something that genuinely excites you.
There’s no single correct answer. If you want a “wow effect,” better animations and an item that always draws attention — start with a knife. If you want consistent visuals and an item visible during every second of your gameplay — start with gloves. The most important thing is choosing an item that brings you real satisfaction in your daily matches.
