Are Quill Pens Still Used Today And Why?

Quill pens are definitely still popular, particularly among calligraphers and school teachers keen to promote the art of good handwriting. February 17 is celebrated as Quill Pen Day in schools throughout the USA, giving teachers and pupils a chance to focus on handwriting in a fun and educational way.

Quill Pen Day also provides the opportunity to teach history, calligraphy and literature, linking art of handwriting with the US frontier days and such literary luminaries as Herman Melville, author of Moby Dick.  The rogue whale epic was penned with a quill, so it was probably just as well Melville kept a gaggle of geese to ensure he never ran out of feathers.

Traditionally, it has always been goose feathers that have been used for quill pens. But in their absence duck, goose, swan and pheasant feathers would often be substituted. Today, calligraphers and artists will often also make quill pens from ostrich and other exotic bird feathers.

Yes, all forms of older pens are still used today, mainly for artistic and calligraphic works.