Definition: Quill pens are made from feathers, the Goose quill pen being historically the most comon, the raven and crow being suitable for fine lines. The soft tip of the quill allows greater line variation and expressive mark-making than most metal nib pens. Of course, the using a quill has that added authenticity for historical re-enactors and romantics!
Not all feathers are suitable for making quill pens - they must be hollow to hold the ink, and large enough to handle, so generally the flight feathers are used. The natural curve of the feather's shaft means that feathers from the left wing are chosen for right-handers, from the right wing for left-handers. (Though of course, historically, left-handers had their 'evil' tendencies beaten out of them, forced to scrawl with their right hand.) The flamboyant feathery objects you see in movies aren't historically accurate - most of the fletching is removed from the quill to facilitate a good grip.
Also Known As: quill, crowquill, goose-quill, feather pen
