Who was Billy Klapper? All You Need to Know is Here
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Updated Nov 11, 2024
Who was Billy Klapper?
Billy Klapper who made a guest appearance in Yellowstone died on September 10. He was 87.
Klapper began making his first spurs set in 1966, learning much of the trade from renowned spur maker Adolph Bayers. Spending time with Bayers allowed Klapper to gain valuable knowledge, especially about the technique of crafting spurs from a single piece of metal, rather than welding multiple pieces together.
In 1968, Klapper decided to quit working as a cowboy and pursue spur making full-time. His metalsmithing skills, combined with the expertise he gained from Bayers, enabled him to dedicate himself to creating high-quality cowboy gear.
Billy Klapper is a highly skilled and dedicated spur maker, one of the few remaining artisans trained in the traditional techniques of spur making by the legendary Adolph Bayers. Working out of his small workshop in Pampa, Texas, using a coal forge, Klapper crafts about 200 pairs of spurs each year.
He has an extensive collection of more than 680 spur patterns and also takes on custom designs. Known for his craftsmanship, Klapper creates one-piece spurs by hand from dawn until dusk, with his commitment to quality ensuring that his products often sell themselves.
Additionally, he is one of the few remaining spur makers capable of copying old designs, as well as repairing or replacing damaged or lost spurs, preserving the legacy of traditional spur making.
