A “kulmus” is the pen a Sofer uses to write STAM. A kulmus was originally cut from a reed (i.e. bamboo) but over time it became common practice (at least among Ashkenazim) to use a goose feather. Now most Sofrim use a quill cut from a turkey feather, which is larger and stronger than that of a goose. Most poskim permit using a kulmus made from any material, including plastic and metal.
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STAM 101 introduction & index