A
quill pen is a
writing implement made from a moulted flight feather (preferably a primary wing-feather) of a large
bird. Quills were used for
writing with
ink before the invention of the
dip pen, the metal-
nibbed pen, the
fountain pen, and, eventually, the
ballpoint pen. The hand-cut goose quill is rarely used as a
calligraphy tool, because many papers are now derived from
wood pulp and wear down the quill very quickly. However, it is still the tool of choice for a few professionals and provides an unmatched sharp stroke as well as greater flexibility than a steel pen.