Onoto Magna Classic

[DanielCoffey]

ONOTO MAGNA CLASSIC - HAVANA BROWN

 

 

This is my review of the Onoto Magna Classic fountain pen which I have just received from David and Alastair at Onoto (www.onoto.com). It is my second modern Onoto so a lot of this review will be the same as in my review of the Onoto Magna 261 Centenary Edition.

 

The Magna Classic is made from polished acrylic patterned with the wavy chased markings that Onoto use and is available in Black/Silver, Havana Brown/Gold, Blue/Gold and limited editions of Mandarin Yellow/Silver and Burnt Orange/Silver. While the standard nib is stainless steel, I ordered this pen with the 18K gold nib. The bands and trim on the Havana Brown are hallmarked sterling silver under gold plate. The pen fills via the included premium converter but will take International Long cartridges.

 

 

PACKAGING

 

The pen was very well packaged when I received it. There was a single-wall cardboard shipping box which contained an Onoto-branded outer card box. Inside the card box were all the little extras that you expect with a premium pen these days... cleaning cloths, care instructions, company history, hallmark datasheet and advertising. Under all this lot was the Onoto-branded main pen box which is made of soft wood. The base of the pen box is a lined with a velvet material and there is satin in the lid along with the Certificate of Authenticity showing the pen’s Edition Number and the registration card and lifetime guarantee. In my case, the pen was 019 of 999.

 

 

PEN APPEARANCE

 

As stated on the Onoto website, the pen is polished brown acrylic which has a pleasantly warm feel to the touch. The “snakes head” chasing pattern gives a little more grip and is comfortable when holding the pen. The step down from barrel to section is very slight and does not impede the grip in any way. Capped, the Classic is very close to a Pelikan M800 in size and uncapped it is a little shorter and lighter.

 

The included converter holds about the same amount of ink as you get in an International Short cartridge so does not affect the weight or balance much. I did not feel the pen needed to be posted in order to balance or fit in my hands (which are medium but broad).

 

The cap takes 3 2/3 full turns to remove but locks nicely when fully closed.

 

http://www.dcoffey.co.uk/images/fountainpennetwork/OnotoMagnaClassic/OnotoMagnaClassicCapped.jpg

 

http://www.dcoffey.co.uk/images/fountainpennetwork/OnotoMagnaClassic/OnotoMagnaClassicCrossed.jpg

 

http://www.dcoffey.co.uk/images/fountainpennetwork/OnotoMagnaClassic/OnotoMagnaClassicChasing.jpg

 

 

The end of the barrel shows a flat button to distinguish it from the Limited Edition clear rounded button on the Magna 261.

 

http://www.dcoffey.co.uk/images/fountainpennetwork/OnotoMagnaClassic/OnotoMagnaClassicBarrelEnd.jpg

 

 

The cap is finished with the traditional deep relief ONOTO logo in gold plate (remember all this trim is gold over sterling silver). The high portions are polished gold and the low portions are gold stippled.

 

http://www.dcoffey.co.uk/images/fountainpennetwork/OnotoMagnaClassic/OnotoMagnaClassicCapEnd.jpg

 

 

NIB

 

By default the pen comes with a stainless steel nib but as I said, I ordered the 18k gold nib. I understand the nibs are made by Bock in Germany to Onoto’s specifications.

 

http://www.dcoffey.co.uk/images/fountainpennetwork/OnotoMagnaClassic/OnotoMagnaClassicNib.jpg

 

 

They are available in Fine, Medium (0.65mm) and Broad (around 1.0mm) round tipped without modification and can be sent to a Nib Technician for custom grinds. I know from our conversations that John Sorowka (Oxonian) is currently in their list of Nib Techs so I elected to have the nib assembly sent to him before shipping so he could perform a Stub grind, to adjust the flow for my preferred brand of ink and the fact that I am a left-handed underwriter.

 

This nib sizes as a generous Broad.

 

In terms of stiffness, I would rate this nib as a 2 out of 10 on the “Nail to Noodle” scale. There is a little line variation if you press firmly but this is a modern nib with no flex as standard.

 

As expected from a premium nib that has passed through the hands of a Nib Tech, the nib is extremely smooth. There is just a little feedback but absolutely no toothiness, even on rougher papers such as G Lalo Vergé de France.

 

John adjusted the flow for Diamine ink and the nib has been set fairly wet at about 8 out of 10. Even under fast writing, this nib does not skip and starts first time on all downstrokes. With this flow rate, I will have to be careful on cheaper papers about feathering but it was my choice to have the nib set this way.

 

Both the Magna 261 and the Classic caps have no breather hole so the nib should not dry out when capped. I also did not experience any nib creep with either pen. Nibs remain clean with the Diamine ink I have been using.

 

 

FILLING

 

At the moment all Onotos ship with a premium Schmidt K5 piston converter with clear sides. The piston operated very smoothly and holds the same amount of ink as an International Short cartridge. The converter fits very snugly on the nipple and there is no risk of the converter loosening when carried. The rubber seal on the end of the piston has a double o-ring and with care can have a tiny amount of pure silicone placed inside to keep it running smoothly.

 

The converter is accessed by twisting the section and barrel. There is a near-invisible join part way along the section which takes 6 2/3 turns to undo.

 

If you wanted to use cartridges then the Classic will take standard International cartridges so you are not limited by colour or proprietary shapes. You could also refill your own International Longs if you were so inclined.

 

 

CLEANING

 

Cleaning the Magna Classic is trivial. Simply remove the barrel, pull off the converter and the back of the section is exposed for easy cleaning. The ubiquitous rubber bulb syringe can be used if the pen is seriously clogged but a straightforward soak and flush in cool, slightly soaped (fairy) water or 10% ammonia would be enough for routine cleaning.

 

 

PRICE

 

According to the website, the standard steel nibbed Magna Classic is currently priced at £330 plus £10 insured shipping plus £50 for the 18k nib if you want it. Sending the nib to someone like John Sorowka for tuning or a regrind is of course extra. Remember that these prices include UK VAT at 20% which can be waived for overseas customers. Some folks will exclaim that £330 is a heck of a lot for a steel-nibbed plastic pen but remember... the trim is gold over sterling silver, not brass.

 

Now here is the good bit... Onoto are willing to negotiate on the price of the Magna Classic and Magna 261 for members of the Writing Equipment Society and also the Fountain Pen Network. The fact that they must support their retail partners mean that any discount cannot be openly discussed but just ask. You will be pleasantly surprised about how flexible they can be!

 

 

WRITING SAMPLE

 

Here is a writing sample of the Onoto Magna Classic (broad stub) against my Onoto Magna 261 (medium) on Clairefontaine Triomphe 90gsm white lined paper using Diamine Amazing Amethyst in the Broad Stub and Diamine Denim in the Medium. Both nibs have been adjusted by John Sorowka for high flow so both are writing wet as intended.

 

http://www.dcoffey.co.uk/images/fountainpennetwork/OnotoMagnaClassic/OnotoMagnaClassicWriting.jpg

 

 

COMPARISON

 

The Magna Classic is 140mm capped, 123mm uncapped, 163mm posted (but I do not feel it needs posting) and weighs 25 grammes empty.

 

The pen is practically the same length capped as a Pelikan M800, about 5mm shorter when uncapped and a little lighter but I understand that there is a brass insert available when ordering which will give the pen a little more heft. The diameter of the pen very closely matches the Pelikan M800 too.

 

See the Magna 261 Review if you want to see the pictures against the Pelikan M800 as the Classic and 261 are the same size.

[vistafan]

A great review, just like your ink reviews.

 

I really like the pen; the colour and pattern compliment it nicely.

[saketb]

First, congrats on your pen.

A well created design on the pen. The logo of Onoto on the cap is stunning.

[DanielCoffey]

Well John Sorowka did warn me Onotos are contagious! And he was correct, of course. I had a tough time choosing between the blue/gold and havana/gold.

 

I love the fact that with the Schmidt Converter they are so easy to clean so I can change inks frequently.

[breaker]

nice review and pics!

thanks!

[GeeTee]

Lovely pen and lovely review (love your ink reviews too btw).

An Onoto Magna is getting to the top of my wish list.

Edited October 12, 2011 by GeeTee

[jandrese]

Very handsome, thanks for sharing.

[richardandtracy]

An elegant, classic shape. Lovely review & lovely colour. Thanks.

 

Richard.

[MrClegg]

Nice review, nothing to disagree with!

 

Daniel didn't mention that the nib is easily unscrewed should you want to "spring" clean the nib/section or, a very cheap option to another pen, if you buy another nib and have perhaps a fine and a broad nib but just the one pen.

 

I have the LE Mandarin and Burnt Orange and I'm VERY pleased with both of them, I opted for the brass insert in both and like the extra bit of weight it gives. I was a little concerned about the length, I never post my pens but the Magna Classic is comfortable even for one used to a Herald Grande and 149.

 

The only point I don't think Daniel made, and one I feel is worthy of mention: everything about the pen shouts quality. The design is simple and understated: yet it looks stunning, the trim is simple: but shouts class, the finish of the body and cap is perfect, the balance is superb, the nibs are excellent. I know one can hardly describe Onoto as a mass production company but don't let that in any way put you off buying one, the standard of my pens is second to none.

 

I know that's a bold claim, but I have 3 M800s and I like them but I'm not looking for another, if David at Onoto tells me he'll make me a blue chased Classic with silver trim rather than gold I'm going to struggle not to buy it and make it 3 Classics!

 

Craig

[MrClegg]

Editied due to stupidity with the "Post Reply" button!

Edited October 12, 2011 by MrClegg

[DanielCoffey]

Hmm... Blue and silver LE perhaps? Since the silver ones are just the gold versions that have not been sent for plating it is not beyond the realms of possibility and they already do black and silver. Why not ask david@onoto.com ?

[MrClegg]

  On 10/12/2011 at 3:23 PM, DanielCoffey said:

Hmm... Blue and silver LE perhaps? Since the silver ones are just the gold versions that have not been sent for plating it is not beyond the realms of possibility and they already do black and silver. Why not ask david@onoto.com ?

 

I just have and he will! I don't know if I should be happy or sad. It would make a lovely xmas present to myself! :roflmho:

 

Craig

[kazoolaw]

Have you compared the new Magna to the original? In the photo it looks like the zig-zag lines used to create the barley effect are much larger/farther apart than on the original.

 

gary

[krokens]

Very interesting review. I have no idea about this pen. Thanks for sharing.

 

Regards

[SHK]

Very very nice Onoto I hope you enjoy it!

[Brian]

What a great looking pen and review. The chasing and detail touches make this a very nice pen. I like the simple nib design, stub point, and bullet proof converter/cartridge arrangement that is sorely under rated. Congratulations on a good looking pen. Please post some writing samples.

[welch]

Beautiful.

 

Beautiful pen, beautifully reviewed.

 

I became attached to Onoto when I scavenged a $20 yellow/gray chunk of dirt from EBay...discovered it was a lever-filler Onoto Penmaster that, astonishingly, shed ink after I let it sit, and then filled. With one stroke, I realized I had found the smoothest fp of all time. Cleaned it, took it to a show, where Richard Binder tried it, and said, "wow!"

 

I truly hope the modern Onoto keeps making great pens; the old Peter Pan decorations are a hoot, all by themselves. Someday, if the family doesn't stop me, I'll have enough save for a modern Magna.

 

(Offhand, it does seem like Onoto is doing everything the right way, from the nib-specialists to marketing Diamine ink.)

[david@onoto.com]

  On 10/13/2011 at 1:50 AM, welch said:

Beautiful.

 

Beautiful pen, beautifully reviewed.

 

I became attached to Onoto when I scavenged a $20 yellow/gray chunk of dirt from EBay...discovered it was a lever-filler Onoto Penmaster that, astonishingly, shed ink after I let it sit, and then filled. With one stroke, I realized I had found the smoothest fp of all time. Cleaned it, took it to a show, where Richard Binder tried it, and said, "wow!"

 

I truly hope the modern Onoto keeps making great pens; the old Peter Pan decorations are a hoot, all by themselves. Someday, if the family doesn't stop me, I'll have enough save for a modern Magna.

 

(Offhand, it does seem like Onoto is doing everything the right way, from the nib-specialists to marketing Diamine ink.)

 

Yes, we are trying hard! When we set off on this adventure (more than 7 years ago already!) with zero knowledge of pens and inks, we acknowledged right from the start that there were people like Jim Marshall, Steve Hull, Dave Glynn and the late Arthur Twydle who we would have to rely on and to whom we would be indebted for a long, long time. Since then we've enjoyed the ride and in particular the friendliness of the pen community who seem to appreciate what we are doing. Of course, you can't please all of the people all of the time, but we do listen to what you say, and the new Heritage pen is the result of listening to what many, many people said back in 2004. More flexible nibs? Well, we've heard what you are saying...

 

Thank you all for your encouragement.

 

David

[ArchiMark]

Very handsome pen and excellent review. Thanks for sharing!

 

Enjoy this pen.....

 

[The Good Captain]

  On 10/13/2011 at 2:30 PM, david@onoto.com said:

  On 10/13/2011 at 1:50 AM, welch said:

Beautiful.

 

Beautiful pen, beautifully reviewed.

 

I became attached to Onoto when I scavenged a $20 yellow/gray chunk of dirt from EBay...discovered it was a lever-filler Onoto Penmaster that, astonishingly, shed ink after I let it sit, and then filled. With one stroke, I realized I had found the smoothest fp of all time. Cleaned it, took it to a show, where Richard Binder tried it, and said, "wow!"

 

I truly hope the modern Onoto keeps making great pens; the old Peter Pan decorations are a hoot, all by themselves. Someday, if the family doesn't stop me, I'll have enough save for a modern Magna.

 

(Offhand, it does seem like Onoto is doing everything the right way, from the nib-specialists to marketing Diamine ink.)

 

Yes, we are trying hard! When we set off on this adventure (more than 7 years ago already!) with zero knowledge of pens and inks, we acknowledged right from the start that there were people like Jim Marshall, Steve Hull, Dave Glynn and the late Arthur Twydle who we would have to rely on and to whom we would be indebted for a long, long time. Since then we've enjoyed the ride and in particular the friendliness of the pen community who seem to appreciate what we are doing. Of course, you can't please all of the people all of the time, but we do listen to what you say, and the new Heritage pen is the result of listening to what many, many people said back in 2004. More flexible nibs? Well, we've heard what you are saying...

 

Thank you all for your encouragement.

 

David

Well, I'm looking forward to receiving the black and silver one I ordered today! Thanks David.