Onoto FAQ
What’s the history of Onoto?
Onoto pens were first made in 1905, when a large British company, De La Rue, bought the patent for a plunger-filling ink mechanism and started making high-end artisanal fountain pens in London.
In 1927, production of the pens moved to Strathendry in Scotland. Unfortunately, despite having a loyal following, Onoto pens ceased being made in Scotland in 1958. Luckily, in 2005 the brand was resurrected again in Britain, this time in Norwich.
What makes Onoto different?
Onoto makes artisanal handmade fountain pens, so they are a luxury fountain pen maker. That doesn’t make them unique exactly, but what we think makes them stand out is the pens they create that are inspired by, and pay homage, to different people and institutions. People and institutions like Charles Dickens, Horatio Nelson, William Shakespeare and Cambridge University.
Recommended Onoto products
We might be biased, but we really like our Cult Pens exclusive, the Black Pearl Pinstripe. It uses Onoto's special fusion-bonding technique, which allows the use of three different pearlescent colours: black, dark grey and white.
The original Magna was first made in 1937 and was quickly very popular. They still make a Magna range, and they have a very distinct design inspired by those originals. They come in different colours, from the subtle ‘Plain’ and ‘Chased’ to the more eye-catching ‘Gold Pearl’ and ‘Tortoiseshell’
