Draft:Billy Klapper

Billy Ray Klapper
Born	April 19, 1937 Lazare, Texas, United States of America
Died	September 10, 2024 Pampa, Texas
Occupation(s)	Bit maker, Spur maker
Television	Yellowstone (American TV series)

Billy Ray Klapper was a bit and spur maker known for creating many unique spurs and bits for the ranching community.

Early Life and Career

Klapper started working as a ranch hand at the Buckle L Ranch in Childress and later at the Y Ranch in Paducah, Texas. He began his career as a ranch hand but transitioned to spur-making in 1966. He started as a bit and spur maker under the mentorship of Adolph Bayers, where he observed and learned the craft.By 1968, the demand for his work had grown significantly, leading him to pursue cowboy gearmaking full-time. Throughout his career, Klapper developed 682 spur patterns and 816 bit patterns.

Transition to Craftsman

In 1963, at the age of 25, Klapper built his first bit while working on the Y Ranch near Paducah, Texas. He was inspired to start making bits due to the long wait times for custom gear from established craftsmen like Adolph Bayers.

Influence and Techniques

Klapper was influenced by established craftsman Adolph Bayers, who lived in Gilliland, Texas. He adopted Bayers’ blacksmithing techniques, including:

• Making spurs by hammering out one piece of steel without welding
• Using pre-1949 Ford axles as raw material for spurs (though this became harder to source over time)
• Employing a trip hammer to shape the steel

Full-time Craftsmanship

In 1968, Klapper decided to quit cowboying and become a full-time bit and spur maker due to the high demand for his work. He set up shop near Childress, Texas, before relocating to Pampa in 1973.

Notable Designs

• The “27” bit: One of Klapper’s most popular designs, featuring snake-like curved shanks and a solid, high-ported mouthpiece
• The “299” bit: A lighter version of the “27” created for horseman Don Dodge

Notable Clientele

• Matlock Rose (NCHA World Champion)
• Shannon Hall (cutting horse trainer)
• Carol Rose (AQHA Hall of Fame breeder)

Craftsmanship and Quality:

Klapper was known for his one-piece spurs, a technique that set him apart in the industry. He was one of the few remaining craftsmen who made spurs from a single piece of steel, rather than welding pieces together. His dedication to traditional methods limited his production to approximately 200 spurs annually.

Klapper’s work is known for its:

• Durability and suitability for working cowboys
• High collectible value, with prices starting around $2,100 for a pair of spurs or a bit

Yellowstone Appearance

In his cameo on Yellowstone, Klapper played himself, appearing in a scene with the character Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser). The scene takes place in Klapper's workshop in Pampa, Texas, where Rip goes to pick up a bit ordered by Lloyd years ago.

During this interaction, Klapper's craftsmanship is highlighted, and he gifts Rip a pair of his handmade spurs. This moment serves as a passing of the torch from the old generation of cowboys to the new.

The episode ends with a tribute to Klapper, reading "In Loving Memory of Billy Klapper," honoring his contribution to Western heritage and his brief but impactful appearance on the show.