How do you use a quill?

Answer 1

Very carefully. ^_~

This here is my experience with quill-making and calligraphy. Others may have better methods.

First, take a super-sharp knife (like an Xacto knife, or other craft knife), and cut the solid tip of the feather off, first perpendicular to the feather, then at a 45 degree angle from this new edge. Gently carve away the edges so there are no dangling filaments, and it has a nice curve to it. The tip of the point should be no wider than a centimeter. Then carefully slice up the middle of the 'nib' or point until it's about as long as the area you had cut off. It has to be a clean, straight, and even cut, or else they'll wobble all over the place.

Next, dip it into the inkwell, and allow it to drip off as much as possible back into the well. Hold the feather at a 45 degree angle (for standard handwriting) or a near-90 degree angle (for calligraphy), with the rounded edge of the nib facing away from you, and, using very gentle pressure, use downward strokes (so the nib doesn't flop back upon itself or 'does the splits').

I hope this helps.