A goose or swan primary feather, trimmed and hardened by heat, with the quill split to form a nib. A quill writes soft, flowing strokes and suits parchment well; it dulls quickly and must be recut often. A scribe carries a dozen spare quills and a small knife for resharpening.
Pen, quill
Goose or swan feather; soft flowing strokes, dulls quickly, needs frequent resharpening.