Texan craftsman
Billy Ray Klapper was a spur and bit maker known for creating and producing many unique spurs and bits for the ranching community.[3][4]
Early life and career
Klapper began his career as a ranch hand at the Buckle L Ranch in Childress, Texas and later at the Y Ranch in Paducah, Texas, and transitioned to spur and a bit making in 1966 under the mentorship of Adolph Bayers, where he observed and learned the craft.[1][3]By 1968, the demand for his work had grown significantly, leading him to pursue making cowboy equipment full-time. During his career, Klapper developed 682 spur patterns and 816 bit patterns.[1]
Craftsmanship and technique
At age 25, Klapper built his first bit while working on the Y Ranch. The long wait times for custom-made equipment from established craftsmen such as his future mentor, Adolph Bayers, inspired Klapper to start making bits.[5]
In 1968, Klapper became a full-time bit and spur maker due to the high demand for his work. He started his business near Childress, Texas, before eventually relocating to Pampa, Texas.[5]
Klapper was known for one-piece spurs built using a technique that set him apart in the industry. He was one of the few craftsmen who made spurs from a single piece of steel rather than welding pieces together.[4] His dedication to traditional methods limited his production to approximately 200 spurs annually.[4] His crafts were known for durability and suitability for working cowboys while having high collectible value; his spurs or bits cost as much as $2,100.[5] While apprenticing, Klapper adopted Bayers’ blacksmithing techniques, including 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), and employing a trip hammer to shape the steel.[5]
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[5]
Notable clientele
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.[6][7]
Klapper's craftsmanship is highlighted during this interaction, and he gifts Rip a pair of his handmade spurs. This moment is meant to serve as the passing of the torch from the old generation of cowboys to the new.[8]
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.[9]
References
