The Cowboy's Bit & Spur Maker | Billy Klapper

𝘏𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘸𝘣𝘰𝘺'𝘴 𝘣𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘱𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘳. Billy Klapper was a cowboy, who made real cowboy gear for real working cowboys over more than six decades.
Billy forged a career making the most sought after bits and spurs by those in the know. His bits had balance and to have a Klapper bit was to have an unequaled connection between horse and rider. His spurs were true one-piece spurs--intricately polished and adorned, but made to be worn on a daily basis.
In fact, it was Billy's one-piece design that was so rare in today's modern era of manufacture. Starting with Model T axles from another manufacturing era, Billy would work with a small coal forge to shape the steel--just one piece of it--into the curves of a bit or the body and shank of a spur.
Billy's pieces will go on as some of the most collected bits and spurs in ranching history. His dedication to craft and function put him in a class all his own, and he stands as inspiration for the next generation of bit and spur makers.
Rest in Peace | Billy Klapper, 1937-2024