Fear & Loading: American Outdoor Brands Goes Fishing With Bubba

by
posted on July 18, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
bubba.jpg

The Battenfeld Technologies division of American Outdoor Brands (AOB)—formerly Smith & Wesson Holding—is buying Fish Tales, a knife and tool manufacturer based in Oro Valley, Ariz., that makes Bubba Blades. The transaction is expected to be completed this summer and the move adds to the firm’s stable of edged offerings that were bolstered last August when it purchased Taylor Brands, which includes Schrade, Uncle Henry, Old Timer, Imperial and more. NASDAQ.com noted on the latest move, “The decision to acquire Fish Tales will supplement the earlier acquisition and help the company to further its foothold in the knife and tool market as well as foray into the fishing accessories market.”

Despite the “backwoodsy” label on its premier line of knives, Fish Tales has built a loyal following among anglers. “The Bubba Blade brand is widely recognized among outdoor enthusiasts for some of the finest knives and tools for fishing, hunting, and kitchen use,” AOB President and CEO James Debney said. “The company’s proprietary design has gained popularity due to an enhanced handle grip, which is highly effective in adverse environments.”

Fish Tales uses 8CR13MOV steel to ensure their products stay sharp longer and the handles on its Bubba Blades are constructed from a thermoplastic in a special synthetic rubber enveloping that remains slightly tacky when wet. Thumb pads and finger pads further maximize purchase.

The move is part of AOB’s plan to diversify its portfolio, and Debney confirmed it does, “… establish our entry into fishing accessories.” After completion of the acquisition, operations of the company will be moved to the Battenfeld Technologies plant in Columbia, Mo.

The Smith & Wesson division of AOB—publicly traded on the NASDAQ exchange as AOBC—announced the purchase of Gemtech earlier this month, again using cash on hand.

Latest

Ruger LC Carbine In 10 mm Auto
Ruger LC Carbine In 10 mm Auto

Review: Ruger LC Carbine In 10 mm Auto

Following the success of its .45 ACP-chambered LC Carbine, Ruger realized that this platform would go a long way toward making the 10 mm Auto more controllable and fun to shoot, and a new 10 mm version was released in 2024.

The Armed Citizen® July 14, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Favorite Firearms: A Little Stevens From Chicago

"Over the next five or six years, and before I went off to college, I fired hundreds and hundreds of rounds of .22 BB Caps, CB Caps, Shorts and Longs through this rifle."

Preview: Strike Industries T-Bone Charging Handle

The T-Bone from Strike Industries is an ideal fit for suppressed applications, as it can be configured by the user to redirect gas blowback entirely to either side ...

New For 2025: Weatherby Model 307 Range XP 2.0 & Alpine ST Rifles

Weatherby's Model 307 bolt-action rifle opens up a world of aftermarket components to consumers, thanks to its Model 700 receiver footprint, and the company now has two new models for hunters and sport shooters.

Preview: Thunderbolt To The Rebels | The United States Sharpshooters In The Civil War

Author Darin Wipperman provides a tantalizing glimpse into the world of Berdan’s sharpshooters during the American Civil War.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.