Quill

A quill pen is made from a flight feather (preferably a primary) of a large bird, most often a goose. Quills were used as instruments for writing with ink before ball point pens came into use.

The hand cut goose quill is still a superior calligraphy tool, providing a sharp stroke and flexibility unmatched in steel pens.

Common writing equipment in medieval times were the quill and parchment.

A signwriter or sign painter uses a "quill" brush as a main tool. The quill brush is usually made from ox hair, which is more durable than many other artist brushes. It has a quill ferrule which attaches the hair to the brush handle and is tied together with wire.