The width of lines created by the pen may be changed on the fly by cutting away more of the nib with a small pen knife. A calligrapher or illustrator may start with fine quill strokes, cut the nib to create more surface area, then use the thicker lines created by the newly trimmed quill to create a border on a page. If they need to go back to a finer line, the craftsperson may cut the wider nib at an angle to create a smaller nib surface area. The flexibility of the shaft allows for languid, fluid strokes as well as short, precise pen work.
Quill pens were used for centuries for engraving manuscripts, writing letters and composing documents of historical importance. For modern calligraphers working to emulate this style, using materials of the period is an important way to stay connected to the roots of the art form and create a final product that looks the most historically correct.
Since a quill consists of nothing more than a feather from a bird, quill pens are a renewable resource that does not depend on petroleum-based plastics to be produced. The feathers are compostable, and break down more quickly than modern pens made of plastic or metal. While quill pens are more cumbersome to use than modern ballpoint pens, those who are trying to reduce their carbon footprints may choose to use these natural, renewable pens.
If a person suffers from pain when writing with a ballpoint pen or typing on a keyboard, she may find she is able to use a quill pen with less discomfort, as a person holds a quill differently than when holding a pen. Those who suffer from arthritis also may derive similar benefits. UCLA's Ergonomics program recommends getting rid of ballpoint pens, which use a type of ink that does not flow easily and therefore require more pressure to use, and replacing those old pens with pens that use a smooth-flowing ink--such as quill pens or fountain pens.