Snow Blades in July?
Yes, this is the time that Norstar pre-orders our supply of Blades for our customers.
And this year, it’s crucial to get your pre-orders in.
In March, Norstar began reporting the news about Trade Wars and Tariffs and a small but impactful action affecting all users of snow blades. China who controls more than 80% of the worldwide tungsten carbide took two actions this year: one, they raised the price by 600% and two, they reduced the export of the tungsten carbide.
Tungsten carbide is used in Military munitions, bombs, drones. It’s also used in our Space projects. The limited supply and increased pricing mean that tungsten carbide will not be available for snowplow blades.
The winter of 2025-2026 was not a heavy snow year, so many of you will still have a cache of blades on hand. We are glad to know that! But it is clear that supply adjustments are on the near horizon.
What is being done?
- Our partners at Kueper Blades have been working since November to develop and test hardened blades using alternative metals to Tungsten.
- Norstar participated in blade testing here in the Pacific Northwest earlier this year, while other testing was done in Minnesota, Northern New York State, and Northeastern Canada
- Of the four test blades, the Impact SX blade shows the best results and we are all very hopeful about it. (please let me know if you’re interested in seeing the data)
During testing, the Kueper Impact SX 2026 satisfied Washington State’s Category 5 – Carbide Combination Blade requirements from Solicitation 11421. Instead of Tungsten Carbide ¼ inch insert, Kueper uses a larger, thicker, and 400 Bernal strength insert.
In preparation for making these blades available to our customers, Norstar has negotiated a special price for the new Impact SX at the same rate as the current Cat 5 blade.
Take this opportunity to pre-order a few sets of this new Impact SX at this introductory price and see how well it performs on your roads.
Please contact Norstar (me or Amanda Jordan) for more information.
With best wishes,
Tracey Kelly
Norstar Industries