What is a Quill Pen?

Writing instruments are integral tools in the creation of literature. From ancient antiquity through to the 19th century, most literature was written using two specific writing utensils; the reed pen and quill pen.

The quill pen was first popular in Europe around the 6th century and remained widely used until 19th century, being used to sign important documents such as Magna Carta and Declaration of Independence. It works using capillary action and typically made out of large bird feathers such as geese, turkey or crow feathers.

History

Quill pens have long been associated with writing, particularly among scribes and calligraphers. Used extensively during medieval manuscript production and signing important documents like Magna Carta and Declaration of Independence; President Thomas Jefferson even kept geese at Monticello specifically bred to provide him with quills!

Before quill pens existed, people used clay tablets, wax or reed pens. Quill pens represented a dramatic improvement as they were durable yet allowed for beautiful handwriting; furthermore they held onto their point longer than other pens and only needed occasional sharpening.

Calamus pens consist of an open chamber called the calamus that contains an ink reservoir with a small slit that regulates ink flow. Goose and swan feathers were traditionally used, though other feather species like those from crows or songbirds can also be utilized; all feathers must first be treated and cured to remain flexible while stiff enough for drawing fine lines.

Materials

A quill pen is a writing implement made of bird feather, designed for creating ink drawings. They were an enormous improvement over wooden and bamboo writing implements such as reed pens; holding their points better while needing less frequent sharpening.

Feathers for quill pens often came from geese or swans due to their large size and strength; however, other feather sources including crows, owls, turkeys, and hawks could also be utilized as sources. For optimal quills that were strong and resilient the best quills should come directly from living birds during their molting periods.

The top side of the quill has been cut to mimic a traditional nib, featuring a small slit that regulates ink flow from its reservoir (known as calamus) directly to its tip through capillary action. At its base is another, slightly blunter angle slit which allows users to shape it to either fine points or broad calligraphic lines as needed.

Nibs

The nib is the point that comes into contact with writing surfaces in order to deposit ink, and there are various kinds available – each serving its own specific function. They come in different shapes and sizes as well as being constructed of various materials.

A pointed nib features a tip that tapers to a sharp point, enabling it to produce various line widths by altering pressure applied. A stub nib features wider tips that can create thick lines by increasing pressure application, while conical nibs feature narrower tips which can produce finer strokes when adjusted at different angles of use.

Metal nibs are typically constructed of steel and may feature decorative or functional coatings for aesthetic or functional reasons. While durable and rust resistant, metal nibs should not last forever and should be periodically updated and/or replaced. Speedball offers both pointed and crowquill nibs in various widths and stiffnesses for convenient purchase.

Ink

Quill pens employ capillary action, in which ink moves from its reservoir (the hollow center of a feather known as the calamus) through a narrow slit to the tip via capillary action. The shape of your nib controls this movement; for instance, narrower nibs produce thinner written characters.

Quil pens are highly sensitive, so it’s essential not to press too hard when writing with them. Additionally, choose high quality sketch or drawing paper in order to prevent tears or pilling as well as clogging of the nib.

Ink can be purchased in stores, but you can also make it yourself! To make homemade ink, simply boil a few bags of black tea in water until infused, and pour into a small vial or jar for storage. This DIY activity is quick, affordable, and great way to involve children while recycling used tea bags! Alternatively, nail polish remover could also work nicely as an ink source!