General
The K1-K4 Onoto original series of fountain pen models:
- K1 – Gold clutch cap, very useful ink window, hooded nib
- K2 – As the K1 model except for cap colour
- K3 – Certainly the odd one. Slightly shorter in barrel and cap of 129.8 mm with flat ends, an open and totally conventual nib No. 3, no ink window, but the piston mechanism is easily serviceable, unlike the other Onoto K series models.
- K4 – Very similar to the K2 model except the cap was screw type rather than clutch as in K1
Features
The K3 has a grip section which easily unscrews to reveal the internals of barrel with the white nylon piston. If you have removed the grip section, you can clean the working space of the ink cylinder area and even the visible fascia of the piston. A touch of a high-grade silicone grease on the piston knob at the rear (2.5 turns only) is useful to simply make that a little easier to work after 60 years it was first produced. As expected the K3 is a small but proper piston filler. Over 60 years since it was originally manufactured in England. The K3 is still relatively popular, enjoying a special iconic status amongst Onoto collectors in UK, Europe and beyond. It works really well as a multi-ink pen.
Comments
This pen is well built and if maintained properly it will work well. Its No.3 nib in 14K gold with its simple feeder are just fine for smooth writing and comfortable to hold. Its teal body colour is very elegant.
Ink used: Parker Quink Blue, France/UK
