Fear & Loading: American Outdoor Brands Goes Fishing With Bubba

by
posted on July 18, 2017
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

Taurus Tx22 Compact Rifleman Review 1
Taurus Tx22 Compact Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Taurus TX22 Compact

A downsized version of Taurus USA's TX22 is available, giving folks a smaller, handier version of the full-size TX22 rimfire pistol that's become one of the company's most popular offerings.

New For 2025: Springfield Armory Saint Victor 9 mm Pistol

Recently, Springfield Armory added a large-format pistol variant of its Saint Victor 9 mm carbine, giving enthusiasts a compact PCC that feeds from Colt-pattern magazines.

The Rifleman Report: New Developments

Our official coverage of new products for the current year is set for next month, but we included two substantial new developments in this issue that have the potential to make significant ripples in the firearm business even before then.

Arkansas To Begin Mandatory Gun Safety Lessons In Schools

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed into law requiring public and open enrollment public charter schools to provide age-appropriate firearm safety instruction beginning during the 2025-2026 school year.

Adams Arms Set To Relaunch

Alexandria Pro-Fab, a contract machine shop based in Minnesota, announced that it has purchased the assets of Adams Arms, along with all of the company’s intellectual property, and it plans to relaunch the company in the second quarter of 2025.

I Have This Old Gun: Bayard Auto Pistol

The Herstal, Belgium, firm of Anciens Etablissements Pieper was apparently expecting big things when, in 1908, it named its new semi-automatic pocket pistol “Bayard.”

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.