Meet Josh McKnight: The Face Behind Cuda Grit’s Carbide Innovation

From Small Town Roots to Tungco Leadership

From a small town in Kentucky to the heart of the industrial supply chain, Josh McKnight’s journey has been grounded in grit, service, and legacy. Now serving as the Senior Sales Lead for both Cuda Grit and Lineage Metallurgical, Josh continues to bring exceptional service and deep industry knowledge to customers and suppliers across these trusted Tungco brands. His leadership supports carbide grit solutions for a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, oil and gas, mining, and the equine industry.

The Path to Leadership

Josh’s story begins in Kentucky, where he grew up alongside Tungco CEO Cliff Nance, forming a friendship that would one day become a foundation for leadership and trust within the company. Over the years, Josh held multiple positions across Tungco before stepping into his current role as Senior Sales Lead for both Cuda Grit and Lineage Metallurgical. 

His time with the company reflects the core values of commitment, adaptability, and service, all of which are now embedded in the DNA of Cuda Grit.

“We back up our great products with even better service.”
– Josh McKnight, Senior Sales Lead for both Cuda Grit and Lineage Metallurgical

Josh McKnight - Tungco

What Is Cuda Grit? Tungco’s Carbide Grit Powerhouse

Cuda Grit is a specialized subdivision of Tungco that manufactures and supplies carbide grit products—primarily using tungsten carbide for enhanced durability and traction.

These products are essential to high-demand industries that require materials that can endure extreme environments and ensure safety, such as:

  • Agriculture
  • Oil and Gas
  • Mining
  • Equine and Farrier Work
  • Amish and Mennonite Transportation

With Josh at the helm, Cuda Grit isn’t just producing materials—it’s solving real-world problems across America’s toughest terrains.

Cuda Grit Product Image

Carbide Grit in Action: From Amish Horses to Oil Rigs

Cuda Grit products are known for their traction-enhancing carbide grit, which is applied to horseshoes, machine parts, and tools. This grit acts like “soccer cleats for horses,” giving them grip on icy, muddy, or uneven ground.

These traction cleats are trusted by:

  • Racehorse trainers
  • Jumping horse handlers
  • Amish and Mennonite communities who rely on horse-drawn buggies year-round
  • Agricultural and oil field operators working in slippery or rugged conditions

Whether it’s an Amish horse trotting through a snow-covered town or a farrier prepping a high-performance racehorse, Cuda Grit’s products keep things moving safely.

Leading with Lineage: Connecting Cuda Grit and Heritage

Josh understands the importance of legacy and lineage, not just in his own journey, but in the industries Cuda Grit serves. That’s why there’s a natural connection between Cuda Grit and Heritage, Tungco’s equine-focused division.

Both divisions serve communities that value tradition, performance, and trust—whether it’s an oil rig operator in Texas or a farrier working in Pennsylvania’s Amish country.

By working across both modern and heritage-driven markets, Josh and the Cuda Grit team help keep Tungco’s mission alive: serving specialized industries with unmatched materials and service.

Tungco Manufacturing Facility

FAQs: Josh McKnight, Cuda Grit & Carbide Grit

Who is Josh McKnight?
Josh McKnight is the Senior Sales Lead for Cuda Grit and Lineage Metallurgical, two key brands within the Tungco family. A longtime Tungco team member and close friend of CEO Cliff Nance, Josh plays a vital role in supporting sales, service, and strategic relationships across the company’s carbide grit and metallurgical product lines.

What is carbide grit used for?
Carbide grit, especially tungsten carbide, is used for traction, abrasion resistance, and durability in industries like agriculture, oil and gas, mining, and equine farrier work.

How does Cuda Grit and Lineage Metallurgical support the equine industry?
Cuda Grit provides tungsten carbide traction products used in horseshoes to increase grip for racehorses, jumpers, and Amish buggies in wet or icy conditions.

What makes Cuda Grit different?
Cuda Grit offers not only premium tungsten carbide materials but also top-tier customer service under the leadership of Josh McKnight.

Is Cuda Grit part of Tungco?
Yes, Cuda Grit is a subdivision of Tungco, which has specialized in tungsten recycling and manufacturing for over 50 years.

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