The reed pen or 'qalam' is the traditional writing instrument used by Islamic calligraphers. The natural reed would have to be seasoned so that it becomes hard enough to be used as a pen. For writing, the reed would have one end cut into an angled nib. The same reed pen would be used for a single piece of work, for if the nib is recut and the width of the nib changes, it would affect the letters. One of the first lessons for a student of Islamic calligraphy is to learn to trim and create an angled nib.
