Welcome to the section of Letters & Journals devoted to the writer’s tool- the mighty pen! These days there is a plethora of options as to which writing tool to use- fountain pen, roller ball, ball point, fine point, bold, calligraphic, pencil, marker- you get the idea. The ‘Writing Tools’ section will feature stories as well as links to blogs and stores who review various writing instruments.

An Introduction to Quill and Dip Pens

By Kathleen Cleberg (Sept. 2010)

In a world of instant messaging with text messages and emails, the letter writing mode of communication is a slower, more intimate way of communicating. One way to enhance this age-old pastime is to use a quill or dip pen can enhance the writing experience. The slower process allows time to pause and ponder. Who doesn’t’ need to take more time to pause and to ponder?

Quill Pens

In the beginning, pens came from feathers. In fact, the word “pen” comes from the “penna,” the Latin word for feather. Quill pens are made from the strong flight feathers of a large bird, usually a goose, swan or turkey. The long plume is cut away, leaving the center barrel of the feather.

Flight feathers of a goose

The nib of the pen can be cut in two ways. The first (and most familiar) way is to split the point into two running channels. This method requires a light touch when writing as pressing the point down too hard widens the split and plops out the ink. For beginners, a nib with small cuts along the point area allows for more pressure when writing.

Once cut, the quill is hardened by heating, often in hot sand. The heat strengthens the barrel and makes the pen more flexible. Because the shape of the quill is altered by the heat, no two quills come out the same. In a real way, each pen is as unique as the writer who uses it.

When writing with a quill pen, use calligraphy ink or a powdered ink. Slant the feather to hold in the ink and use light pressure. Think of your stroke as painting a fine line and never make sharp changes in direction.

Used regularly, a quill pen lasts about a week. And that is with frequent stops to sharpen the nib with a small pen knife. Writers (and geese!) must have sighed with relief when the metal nib was invented.

Dip Pens

A dip pen has a metal nib mounted on a handle. Most handles are wood, but some are glass, metal, bone or plastic. Metal nibs are inexpensive and allow for frequent changes in color and line widths.

Glass dip pens are handmade and have a delicate beauty

New nibs have an applied coating to prevent rust. The coating comes off with a quick scrub using dishwashing soap and an old toothbrush. Rinse and dry the nib carefully as they rust easily. Rusty nibs should be replaced.

The ink reservoir is attached to either the bottom or the top of the nib and feeds out the ink. If the tines on the nib are bent, gently push them back in place. Hold the pen so the reservoir is facing up. Don’t put the pen into the ink bottle. Instead, dip a small paintbrush into the ink and stroke the brush on the side of the pen, pressing the bristles gently against the bottom of the reservoir. Do not leave the brush in the ink pot.

Holding a dip pen takes practice because we are used to gripping pens with our fingertips. Instead, hold the dip pen with your middle finger and thumb along the sides and your forefinger on top. This slants the pen and lightens your grip.

Holding a dip pen

Use smooth paper and pull the pen toward you rather than pushing it away. Keep your pen moving.  If you want to pause, take the nib off the paper. Keep your motion light and fluid.

Don’t get discouraged, practice is part of the process. If you need more help, look online or find a calligraphy class or book.

Note: Quill and dip pens are available at art supply stores, larger bookstores or online.