This paper evaluates the performance of edge-based directional probability distributions as features in writer identification in comparison to a number of non-angular features. It is noted that the joint probability distribution of the angle combination of two "hinged" edge fragments outperforms all other individual features. Combining features may improve the performance. Limitations of the method pertain to the amount of handwritten material needed in order to obtain reliable distribution estimates. The global features treated in this study are sensitive to major style variation (upper- vs lower case), slant, and forged styles, which necessitates the use of other features in realistic forensic writer identification procedures.