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Onoto, note the spelling, were originally the pen manufacturing arm of De La Rue, the printers famous for producing everything from playing cards to bank notes.
The original Onoto pens included probably the finest ever produced in the U.K. They were the pens of Kings and Presidents. Not flashy, in fact quite understated, but superbly made, and with probably the best nibs ever put on a pen.
The modern Onoto’s are very decent. The designs are true to the originals, the quality of the materials and manufacture is excellent, and the nibs are pretty good. Although generally correct in style, the nibs of the modern pens are not as good as the originals.
If you would like one, and why not, go for one of their beautiful pens such as the Magna, shown below. They’re a timeless classic, they ooze style, and can’t really be beaten as a writer. Preferably buy from a dealer and get a nib that suits your writing style.
Unfortunately, Onoto have to survive, so they produce some limited editions, some of which (short runs of special colours) are fairly priced and stylish, whereas others are overpriced and plainly awful. Sadly, the “Flying Scotsman” is one of the latter.
I suppose if one wanted to support the company, buying a “Flying Scotsman” is a way of giving them a charitable donation. Just bin the hideous thing that turns up in the post!
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