THE KNIFE.—Quill makers use a special knife. A surgical scalpel makes an excellent pen-knife. The blade should be fairly stout, as the edge of a thin blade is easily damaged. It should be ground almost entirely on the right side of the blade (fig. [37]) and kept very sharp. [p061]
THE SLAB.—A piece of glass (preferably white) may be used for fine quills; hard wood, bone, or celluloid for reed and cane pens.
SHARPENING STONE.—A “Turkey” (fine) or “Washita” (fine or coarse grained) stone.
MAGNIFYING GLASS.—A magnifying glass (about 1 inch in diameter) is necessary for examining fine pen nibs to see if they are “true.” A “pocket” glass is the most suitable for general use, and for the analysis of small writing, &c.
RULE.—A 2, or 3-foot wood rule having brass strips let in to protect the edges, or a metal rule.
LINEN PEN-WIPER.—A piece of an old linen handkerchief may be used to keep the pen clean.